Water vending apparatus

ABSTRACT

A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/995,667, filed Aug. 17, 2020 and entitled WaterVending Apparatus, which will be U.S. Pat. No. 11,285,399, issuing onMar. 29, 2022 (Attorney Docket No. AA312), which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/945,153, filed Apr.4, 2018 and entitled Water Vending Apparatus, now U.S. Pat. No.10,744,421, issued Aug. 18, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. X16), which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/543,436,filed Nov. 17, 2014 and entitled Water Vending Apparatus, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,937,435, issued Apr. 10, 2018 (Attorney Docket No. P24), which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/751,897, filedJan. 28, 2013 and entitled Water Vending Apparatus, now U.S. Pat. No.8,888,963, issued Nov. 18, 2014 (Attorney Docket No. K16), which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/541,625,filed Aug. 14, 2009 and entitled Water Vending Apparatus, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,359,877, issued Jan. 29, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. H56), whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/089,295, filed Aug. 15, 2008 and entitled Water Vending ApparatusHaving Water Vapor Distillation Purification System (Attorney Docket No.G38), each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to vending purified water and moreparticularly, to a water vending apparatus.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

There is a large, poorly satisfied global need for readily available,adequate tasting, safe, affordable and convenient drinking water. Theability to serve this global need is limited by many factors, one beingthe economics of the centralized bottling model. Traditionally, lessaffluent consumers are not well served by branded water as priceincreases with respect to water quality and trustworthiness. Distributedpurification alternatives, such as chemical treatment and carbonfiltration, have limited impact on water safety and have significantlimitations for consumers, retailers, bottlers, and brand owners.

Water kiosks, i.e., locations, providing containers of water which aretypically filled at an off-site location and transported to the kiosk,are prevalent in cities with poor municipal water supplies, and are aninefficient and expensive solution to providing safe drinking water tothe masses. Kiosks typically sell water by the jug, and the cost oftransport, bottling, and distribution are all passed to the consumer.Environmentally, transport of kiosk-related water jugs increasespollution and traffic congestion.

Additionally, the volume of water capable of being stored at a kiosk injug-form is finite. In locations such as Mexico City, for example,reducing the number of jugs required to adequately meet the demand forpurified water may help resolve the serious logistical problems of thewater kiosk. Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient, morereliable, and less expensive means of distributing safe and adequatetasting drinking water.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a water vendingsystem is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapordistillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device isin fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus andthe product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus isdispensed by the dispensing device.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention include wherethe water vapor distillation apparatus includes a source fluid input andan evaporator condenser. The evaporator condenser includes asubstantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in thehousing. The source water input is fluidly connected to the evaporatorcondenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source water intosteam and transforms compressed steam into product water. The watervapor distillation apparatus also includes a heat exchanger fluidlyconnected to said source water input and a product water output. Theheat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Thewater vapor distillation apparatus also includes a regenerative blowerfluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blowercompresses steam, and whereby the compressed steam flows to theevaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into productwater.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include oneor more of the following: where the water vending system includes aprogrammable logic controller, where the water vending system includes aprimary tank and a secondary tank; where the water vending systemincludes a fill pump wherein the fill pump pumps water from the primarytank to the secondary tank; where the where the water vending systemincludes a diffuser in the secondary tank; where the where the watervending system includes at least one sensor; where the where the wherethe water vending system includes a minimum volume sensor in the primarytank whereby the minimum volume sensor determines whether the primarytank is holding a minimum volume to fill the secondary tank; where thewater vending system includes a maximum volume sensor in the primarytank whereby the maximum volume sensor determines whether the primarytank is full; where the water vending system includes an air flowconduit between the primary tank and the secondary tank; where the wherethe water vending system includes an ultraviolet sterilizer coupled to afluid path between the primary tank and the secondary tank; where thewater vending system includes a nozzle assembly downstream from thesecondary tank; and/or where the water vending system includes anultraviolet sterilizer coupled to a fluid path between the secondarytank and the nozzle assembly.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a water vendingsystem is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapordistillation apparatus and a dispensing device, wherein the dispensingdevice is in fluid communication with the water vapor distillationapparatus and whereby product water from the water vapor distillationapparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device. The water vapordistillation apparatus also includes a programmable logic controller forcontrolling the dispensing device and the water vapor distillationapparatus.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include oneor more of the following: a multi-purpose interface comprising at leastone conductivity sensor; and/or a proximity sensor, the proximity sensorsends a signal to the programmable logic controller to dispense water.Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may includewhere the water vapor distillation apparatus includes a source fluidinput and an evaporator condenser. The evaporator condenser includes asubstantially cylindrical housing and and a plurality of tubes in thehousing. The source water input is fluidly connected to the evaporatorcondenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source water intosteam and transforms compressed steam into product water. The watervapor distillation apparatus also includes a heat exchanger fluidlyconnected to said source water input and a product water output. Theheat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Thewater vapor distillation apparatus also includes a regenerative blowerfluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blowercompresses steam, and whereby the compressed steam flows to theevaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into productwater.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a water vendingapparatus having a purification system includes a dispensing system andwater vapor distillation apparatus. The dispensing system is fluidlycoupled to the water vapor distillation apparatus such that purifiedwater may be distributed to a vendee-supplied vessel positioned at afilling station. A filling operation, or transfer of purified water to avessel, is initiated through use of a control panel located on theexternal housing of the vending apparatus. The control panel may send afill request signal to dispensing control circuitry, which, uponanalysis of other various electrical signals, may allow purified waterto flow through a predetermined network of conduits and into a vessel.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include oneor more of the following. Multiple fill stations from which a vendee mayconveniently fill an array of varying vessel sizes. A multipurposeinterface may be included. A multipurpose interface is capable ofdistributing chilled water to drinking glass-sized vessels, as well as,providing vendees or prospective vendees a means of testing the puritylevel of local or vending apparatus water; a molding apparatus may beincorporated into the vending apparatus system. With this configuration,water bottles are manufactured within the molding apparatus frompreformed parison, filled with purified water, and dispensed. Additivesmay be mixed into purified water to further enhance the taste and/orpurpose of the water or beverage. Use of additives may requireintegration of mixing and storage components into the exemplary watervending apparatus. Logic instructions associated with choosing andcontrolling additives may also be added to control circuitry. The watervending apparatus may be operated upon input of currency to a currencyreceiving module.

Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include oneor more of the following. The water vending may be scalable. Indiffering markets, demand for a water vending apparatus may vary, givingrise to a larger or smaller apparatus performing essentially the samefunctions. A scaled down water vending apparatus may include scaled downdispensing and purification system components to accommodate a lesserproduction rate, for example. A scaled up water vending apparatus mayinclude scaled up dispensing and purification components, or utilizationof more than one purification system. The water vending apparatus may bedivided into separate portions such that one or more portions may beoperated remotely with respect to one or more other portions. Remoteoperation may necessitate extended conduits and control leads, greaterpump head pressure, and/or integration of wireless communicationcomponents and protocols. The water vending apparatus may include ascale indicator to aid in preventing sedimentary buildup on surfacesexposed to hard water. The water vending apparatus may incorporate anextension hose and corresponding fill control apparatus. A filling hosemay be beneficial in extending operable filling radius and generalfilling capability.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read inconjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description, takentogether with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is front view of internal components of a water vending apparatusaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 1A is a front view of the vending apparatus according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the water vapor distillation apparatusaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the water vapordistillation apparatus within the water vending apparatus according toone embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a filling station incorporated into a watervending apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water vending apparatus focusing ona water quality testing interface according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a detail view of the water quality testing interface and avessel for receiving water according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a detail view of the water quality testing interface and aclosed door according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a diagram of an internal display window according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a real-time purification path display panelaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the front view of a water vending apparatusaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front detail view of the secondary filling station in anunfolded state according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front detail view of the secondary filling station in afolded state according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a downward view of the main nozzle assembly according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 8B is an upward view of the main nozzle assembly according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 8C is a side view of the main nozzle assembly according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of the multipurpose interface according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10A is a diagram of the purification system as fully surrounded byinsulation according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a diagram of the purification system with an unfastenedportion of insulation according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rear portion of a water vendingapparatus without tubing shown according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a front view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing visible tubing according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a top view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing visible tubing according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11C is a right side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing visible tubing according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11D is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing visible tubing according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11E is a back view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing visible tubing according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11F is a back view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the filling conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11G is a right side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the filling conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11H is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the overflow conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11I back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the overflow conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11J is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the UV conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11K back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the UV conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11L back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the UV conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11M is a right side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the UV conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11N is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the vent conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11O back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the vent conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11P is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the airflow conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11Q back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the airflow conduit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11R is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the product divert line according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11S back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the product divert line according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11T back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the blowdown tube according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11U is a right side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the blowdown tube according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11V is a left side view of the dispensing portion of the vendingapparatus showing the primary tank overflow tube according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11W back view of the dispensing portion of the vending apparatusshowing the primary tank overflow tube according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11X is a section view of the secondary tank according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11Y is a perspective bottom view of the secondary tank according toone embodiment;

FIG. 11Z is a detailed view of the lower portion of the dispensingporting showing the fill pump and UV pump according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a water vending apparatusaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of water storage tanks incorporatedwithin a water vending apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a diagram of the fluid pathways associated with the waterstorage tanks including a separate UV circulation pump and conduitaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 14B is a diagram of the fluid pathways associated with the waterstorage tanks including one pump and conduit for filling and sterilizingaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a filter drawer, in the openposition, as incorporated in a water vending apparatus according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a simplified flow diagram of the components used to injectadditives into a vessel according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a small-scale water vending apparatus in theform of a drinking fountain according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a water vending apparatus according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a water vending apparatus having a bottlemolding/filling system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20A is a flow chart of main water path, circuitry, and mechanicalportions of the dispensing portion according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20B is a flow chart of another embodiment of the main water path,circuitry, and mechanical portions of the dispensing portion accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the electrical signals when turning on thedispensing portion of the vending apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the electrical signals when a fill request isplaced in the vending apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 23A is a graph of a convenience store usage profile of the watervending apparatus having a heavy demand for water according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 23B is a graph of a convenience store usage profile of the watervending apparatus having typical demand for water according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 23C is a graph of a convenience store usage profile of the watervending apparatus having a reduced storage tank and typical demand forwater according to one embodiment;

FIG. 24 is another embodiment of the water vending apparatus including acurrency acceptor according to one embodiment;

FIG. 25A is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25B is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25C is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25D is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25E is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25F is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25G is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 25H is another embodiment of the positioning indicator for thevendee vessel;

FIG. 26A is another embodiment of the nozzle assembly;

FIG. 26B is another embodiment of the nozzle assembly;

FIG. 26C is another embodiment of the nozzle assembly;

FIG. 27 is another embodiment of the nozzle assembly;

FIG. 28A is another embodiment of the nozzle assembly;

FIG. 28B is another embodiment of the nozzle assembly;

FIG. 29 is a depiction of a monitoring system for distributed utilitiesin accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 30 is a depiction of a distribution system for utilities inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the water vapor distillation apparatusaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 32 is an assembly view of the exemplary embodiment of thetube-in-tube heat exchanger assembly;

FIG. 32A is an exploded view one embodiment of the tube-in-tube heatexchanger;

FIG. 32B is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of thetube-in-tube heat exchanger from the back;

FIG. 32C is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of thetube-in-tube heat exchanger from the front;

FIG. 32D is a cross-section view of one embodiment of the tube-in-tubeheat exchanger;

FIG. 32E is a cut away view of one embodiment of the tube-in-tube heatexchanger illustrating the helical arrangement of the inner tubes;

FIG. 32F is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of thetube-in-tube heat exchanger;

FIG. 32G is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of thetube-in-tube heat exchanger;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the connectors for the fitting assemblythat attaches to the tube-in-tube heat exchanger;

FIG. 33A is a cross-section view of fitting assembly for thetube-in-tube heat exchanger;

FIG. 33B is a cross-section view of fitting assembly for thetube-in-tube heat exchanger;

FIG. 33C is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment for the firstconnector;

FIG. 33D is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment for thefirst connector;

FIG. 33E is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment for thefirst connector;

FIG. 33F is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment for thefirst connector;

FIG. 33G is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment for the secondconnector;

FIG. 33H is a cross-section view of fitting assembly for thetube-in-tube heat exchanger;

FIG. 33I is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment for thesecond connector;

FIG. 33J is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment for thesecond connector;

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of theevaporator/condenser assembly;

FIG. 34A is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of theevaporator/condenser assembly;

FIG. 34B is an isometric cross-section view of the exemplary embodimentof the evaporator/condenser;

FIG. 35 is an assembly view of the exemplary embodiment of the sump;

FIG. 35A is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the sump;

FIG. 36 is an isometric detail view of the flange for the sump assembly;

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of theevaporator/condenser;

FIG. 37A is an top view of the exemplary embodiment of theevaporator/condenser assembly;

FIG. 37B shows the rate of distillate output for an evaporator as afunction of pressure for several liquid boiling modes;

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the tube forthe evaporator/condenser;

FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the tube and rod configuration for theevaporator/condenser;

FIG. 39A is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the rod forthe evaporator/condenser;

FIG. 40 is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the sumptube sheet;

FIG. 40A is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the uppertube sheet;

FIG. 41 is a detail view of the top cap for the evaporator/condenser;

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the steamchest;

FIG. 42A is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the steamchest;

FIG. 42B is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of thesteam chest;

FIG. 42C is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the steamchest;

FIG. 42D is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of thesteam chest;

FIG. 42E is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of thesteam chest;

FIG. 42F is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the steam chest;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the evaporator/condenser;

FIG. 44 is an isometric view of the mist eliminator assembly;

FIG. 44A is an isometric view of the outside of the cap for the misteliminator;

FIG. 44B is an isometric view of the inside of the cap for the misteliminator;

FIG. 44C is a cross-section view of the mist eliminator assembly;

FIG. 44D is a cross-section view of the mist eliminator assembly;

FIG. 45 is assembly view of the exemplary embodiment of a regenerativeblower;

FIG. 45A is bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of the regenerativeblower assembly;

FIG. 45B is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the regenerativeblower assembly;

FIG. 45C is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of theregenerative blower;

FIG. 45D is a detailed view of the outer surface of the upper section ofthe housing for the exemplary embodiment of the regenerative blower;

FIG. 45E is a detailed view of the inner surface of the upper section ofthe housing for the exemplary embodiment of the regenerative blower;

FIG. 45F is a detailed view of the inner surface of the lower section ofthe housing for the exemplary embodiment of the regenerative blower;

FIG. 45G is a detailed view of the outer surface of the lower section ofthe housing for the exemplary embodiment of the regenerative blower;

FIG. 45H is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of theregenerative blower;

FIG. 45I is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of theregenerative blower;

FIG. 45J is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of theregenerative blower;

FIG. 45K is a schematic of the exemplary embodiment of the regenerativeblower assembly;

FIG. 45L is a cross-section view of the exemplary embodiment of theregenerative blower;

FIG. 46 is a detailed view of the impeller assembly for the exemplaryembodiment of the regenerative blower;

FIG. 46A is a cross-section view of the impeller assembly according toone embodiment;

FIG. 47 is an assembly view of the level sensor assembly according toone embodiment;

FIG. 47A is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the levelsensor assembly;

FIG. 47B is cross-section view of the settling tank within the levelsensor housing according to one embodiment;

FIG. 47C is cross-section view of the blowdown sensor and product levelsensor reservoirs within the level sensor housing according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 48 is an isometric view of level sensor assembly according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 48A is cross-section view of the level sensor assembly according toone embodiment;

FIG. 49 is an isometric view of the front side of the bearing feed-waterpump according to one embodiment;

FIG. 49A is an isometric view of the back side of the bearing feed-waterpump according to one embodiment;

FIG. 50 is a schematic of the flow path of the source water for theexemplary embodiment of the water vapor distillation apparatus;

FIG. 50A is a schematic of the source water entering the heat exchangeraccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 50B is a schematic of the source water passing through the heatexchanger according to one embodiment;

FIG. 50C is a schematic of the source water exiting the heat exchangeraccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 50D is a schematic of the source water passing through theregenerative blower according to one embodiment;

FIG. 50E is a schematic of the source water exiting the regenerativeblower and entering according to one embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a schematic of the flow paths of the product water for theexemplary embodiment the water vapor distillation apparatus;

FIG. 51A is a schematic of the product water exiting theevaporator/condenser assembly and entering the level sensor housingaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 51B is a schematic of the product water entering the product levelsensor reservoir within the level sensor housing according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 51C is a schematic of the product water exiting the product levelsensor reservoir and entering the heat exchanger according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 51D is a schematic of the product water passing through the heatexchanger according to one embodiment;

FIG. 51E is a schematic of the product water exiting the heat exchangeraccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 51F is a schematic of the product water entering the bearing-feedwater reservoir within the level sensor housing according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 51G is a schematic of the product water exiting the level sensorhousing and entering the bearing feed-water pump according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 51H is a schematic of the product water exiting the bearingfeed-water pump and entering the regenerative blower according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 51I is a schematic of the product water exiting the regenerativeblower and entering the level sensor housing according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 52 is a schematic of the vent paths for the exemplary embodimentthe water vapor distillation apparatus;

FIG. 52A is a schematic of the vent path allowing air to exit theblowdown sensor reservoir and enter the evaporative/condenser accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 52B is a schematic of the vent path allowing air to exit theproduct sensor reservoir and enter the evaporative/condenser accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 52C is a schematic of the vent path allowing air to exit theevaporator/condenser assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a schematic of the low-pressure steam entering the tubes ofthe evaporator/condenser assembly from the sump according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 54 is a chart illustrating the relationship between thedifferential pressure across the regenerative blower and the amount ofenergy required to produce one liter of product according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 55 is a depiction of a monitoring system for distributed utilitiesaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 56 is a depiction of a distribution system for utilities accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 57 is a conceptual flow diagram of a possible embodiment of asystem incorporating another embodiment of the water vapor distillationapparatus;

FIG. 57A is a schematic block diagram of a power source for use with thesystem shown in FIG. 57;

FIGS. 58A-58E depict the principle of operation of a Stirling cyclemachine;

FIG. 59 shows a view of a rocking beam drive in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 60 shows a view of a rocking beam drive in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 61 shows a view of an engine in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 62A-62D depicts various views of a rocking beam drive inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 63 shows a bearing style rod connector in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIGS. 64A-64B show a flexure in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 65 shows a four cylinder double rocking beam drive arrangement inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 66 shows a cross section of a crankshaft in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIGS. 67-68 diagrammatically depict a membrane pump;

FIG. 69 shows an illustrative view of one embodiment of a water vendingapparatus appliance;

FIG. 70 depicts one embodiment of a water vending apparatus appliance;

FIG. 71A shows a view of an engine in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 71B shows a crankshaft coupling in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 71C shows a view of a sleeve rotor in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 71D shows a view of a crankshaft in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 71E is a cross section of the sleeve rotor and spline shaft inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 71F is a cross section of the crankshaft and the spline shaft inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 71G are various views a sleeve rotor, crankshaft and spline shaftin accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 72 shows the operation of pistons of an engine in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 73A shows an unwrapped schematic view of a working space andcylinders in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 73B shows a schematic view of a cylinder, heater head, andregenerator in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 73C shows a view of a cylinder head in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 74A shows a view of a rolling diaphragm, along with supporting topseal piston and bottom seal piston, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 74B shows an exploded view of a rocking beam driven engine inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 74C shows a view of a cylinder, heater head, regenerator, androlling diaphragm, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 74D-74E show various views of a rolling diaphragm duringoperation, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 74F shows an unwrapped schematic view of a working space andcylinders in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 74G shows a view of an external combustion engine in accordancewith one;

FIGS. 75A-75E show views of various embodiments of a rolling diaphragm;

FIG. 76A shows a view of a metal bellows and accompanying piston rod andpistons in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 76B-76D show views of metal bellows diaphragms, in accordance withone embodiment;

FIGS. 76E-76G show a view of metal bellows in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 76H shows a schematic of a rolling diaphragm identifying variousload regions;

FIG. 77 shows a view of a piston and piston seal in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 78 shows a view of a piston rod and piston rod seal in accordancewith one embodiment;

FIG. 79A shows a view of a piston seal backing ring in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 79B shows a pressure diagram for a backing ring in accordance withone embodiment;

FIGS. 79C and 79D show a piston seal in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 79E and 79F show a piston rod seal in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 80A shows a view of a piston seal backing ring in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 80B shows a pressure diagram for a piston seal backing ring inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 81A shows a view of a piston rod seal backing ring in accordancewith one embodiment;

FIG. 81B shows a pressure diagram for a piston rod seal backing ring inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 82 shows views of a piston guide ring in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 83 shows an unwrapped schematic illustration of a working space andcylinders in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 84A shows a view of an engine in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 84B shows a view of an engine in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 85 shows a view of a crankshaft in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 86A-86C show various configurations of pump drives in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIG. 87A show various views of an oil pump in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 87B shows another view of an engine;

FIGS. 88A and 88B show views of an engine in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 88C shows a view of a coupling joint in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 88D shows a view of a crankshaft and spline shaft of an engine inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 89A shows an illustrative view of a generator connected to oneembodiment of the apparatus; and

FIG. 89B shows a schematic representation of an auxiliary power unit forproviding electrical power and heat to a water vapor distillationapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions. As used in this description and the accompanying claims,the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless thecontext otherwise requires.

The term “evaporator condenser” is used herein to refer to an apparatusthat is a combination evaporator and condenser. Thus, a structure isreferred to as an evaporator condenser where the structure itself servesas both. The evaporator condenser structure is referred to herein as anevaporator/condenser, evaporator condenser or evaporator and condenser.Further, in some instances, where either the evaporator or the condenseris being referred to individually, it should be understood that the termis not limiting and refers to the evaporator condenser structure.

The term “fluid” is used herein to include any type of fluid includingwater. Thus, although the exemplary embodiment and various otherembodiments are described herein with reference to water, the scope ofthe apparatus, system and methods includes any type of fluid. Also,herein, the term “liquid” may be used to indicate the exemplaryembodiment, where the fluid is a liquid.

The term “unclean water” is used herein to refer to any water wherein itis desired to make cleaner prior to consuming the water.

The term “cleaner water” is used herein to refer to water that iscleaner as product water than as source water.

The term “source water” refers to any water that enters the apparatus.

The term “product water” refers to the cleaner water that exits theapparatus.

The term “purified”, “purifying” or “purification” as used herein, andin any appended claims, refers to reducing the concentration of one ormore contaminants or otherwise altering the concentration of one or morecontaminants.

The term “specified levels” as used herein refers to some desired levelof concentration, as established by a user for a particular application.One instance of a specified level may be limiting a contaminant level ina fluid to carry out an industrial or commercial process. An example iseliminating contaminant levels in solvents or reactants to a levelacceptable to enable an industrially significant yield in a chemicalreaction (e.g., polymerization). Another instance of a specified levelmay be a certain contaminant level in a fluid as set forth by agovernmental or intergovernmental agency for safety or health reasons.Examples might include the concentration of one or more contaminants inwater to be used for drinking or particular health or medicalapplications, the concentration levels being set forth by organizationssuch as the World Health Organization or the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

The term “system” as used herein may refer to any combination of one ormore elements, said elements including but not limited to, a water vapordistillation apparatus (which may be referred to as a water system or awater vapor distillation system), a water vapor distillation apparatustogether with a power source, such as a Stirling engine, and a watervending apparatus.

The system is described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments.The term “raw water” is used to refer to any source water entering thewater distillation system. The term “blowdown” as used herein may referto any water leaving the system having a higher concentration of one ormore contaminants than the water had while entering the system. Blowdownmay also be referred to as waste water.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a vending apparatus 113 may be configured toaccept incoming raw water, perform various steps to increase waterquality and drinkability, and dispense cleaner water (also referred toas product water) to a vendee-supplied vessel 121 upon vendee request. Awater vapor distillation system 100 may be housed in a vending apparatus113 to facilitate cleansing raw water. The process by which cleanerwater is dispensed to a vessel 121 may begin when raw water enters thevending apparatus 113 through the input conduit 122. The input conduit122 may be attached the purification system 100 to the primary tank 164in the dispensing portion 139 and bring the product water to thedispensing portion 139 of the vending apparatus 113.

In the exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, a water vendingapparatus 113 may include a dispensing portion 139 situated adjacent toa purification portion 140. Vendee interfaces and filling components maybe localized on the dispensing portion 139 whereas the primarypurification equipment may reside on the purification portion 140. Itmay be advantageous to classify, and isolate components in such a manorfor maintenance purposes. Additionally, as components within thepurification portion 140 may operate at high temperatures, someseparation may be necessary to maintain operational efficiency. However,vending apparatus components are not limited to one specific portion, asthey may reside on either portion where convenient.

1. Dispensing 1.1 Internal Components

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11-11Z, in the exemplary embodiment, thedispensing portion 139 may have a rigid dispensing frame 160 forfastening electrical, mechanical and other various components associatedwith delivering product water to a filling station. The frame materialmay be, but is not limited to, of the 80/20 T-slotted aluminum type. Thebase 154 may provide the primary surface to which the dispensing frame160 is attached, as the separating wall 161 and external vendingapparatus housing may not provide sufficient support. In the exemplaryembodiment, the separating wall 161, and in some embodiments, the wholesystem shell is made from ¾″ plywood. A variety of fasteners are usedincluding, but not limited to, socket head cap screws.

Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11-11Z in the exemplary embodiment,the rear right vertical member of the dispensing frame 160 also servesas a chamber 179, from which, compressed air may be stored andtransferred through a 1 gallon and a 5 gallon spool valve 215,214,respectively, to pneumatic nozzle valves 159. To facilitatefunctionality as a compressed air store 179, the dispensing frame 160may define an internal cavity sufficiently sealed to preclude leakingunder pressure, and may be coupled to an air compressor 162, alsoattached to the frame 160. 80/20 T-slotted aluminum frames may bepressurized by capping off the ends of the frame 160 with pressuremanifold plates 163. Manifold plates 163, as commonly known in the art,may be made from anodized aluminum and may withstand up to 150 psig ofpositive/vacuum pressure. In the exemplary embodiment,about/approximately 120 psig is used to actuate at the desired speed.However, in other embodiments, more or less psig may used. A pressureswitch may be coupled to the compressed air store 179 to ensure thatadequate gas or air is maintained by a means of actuating the nozzleassemblies 114,123.

Still referring to FIG. 11 in the exemplary embodiment, an aircompressor 162 and additional pressurization of the frame 160 may not benecessary as the valves 159 may be of the non-pneumatic type, such as,Georg Fischer EA21/31/42 electrically actuated ball valves by GeorgFischer Piping Systems Ltd. Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

In various embodiments, the dispensing portion 139 may includeinsulation, either partially or totally encapsulating the portion 139.The insulation on the dispensing portion 139 may maintain thetemperature of the water to be dispensed and may be desired where it isat any extreme temperature outside the vending machine 113 than insidethe dispensing portion 139.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in the exemplary embodiment, a larger, 15gallon, plastic, and in the exemplary embodiment, polycarbonate, primarytank 164 may store product water exiting the purification system 100,and may be fluidly coupled to a smaller, 7 gallon polycarbonatesecondary tank 138. There may also be another smaller chiller tank 169,which may be a 1-7 gallon tank, coupled to the secondary tank 138, forthe purpose of, in some embodiments, storing/dispensing chilled water.In various embodiments the chiller tank 169 may be coupled to theprimary tank 164 or it may be its own separate tank. In theseembodiments an additional pump may be utilized to bring water to or fromthe chiller tank 169 to a multipurpose interface 117 where water may bedispensed. In these embodiments additional tubing may be involved tobring water from the purification system 100 to the chiller tank 169. Invarious embodiments, the size of the tanks may be altered due to need ofwater in the location of the apparatus 113. Polycarbonate may beadvantageous as a tank material because it leaches minimally into water;however, any material may be used, including but not limited to, thoseapproved by any governmental agency that protects the public health byregulating safety and efficacy of ingested products and materialscontaining products to be ingested such as, but not limited to theUnited States Department of Health and Human services, the United StatesFood and Drug Administration and National Sanitary Foundation, may beutilized. In various embodiments, the dispensing portion 139 may utilizea system of one or more product water tanks, of varying material, tostore purified water. The material used for the tanks may be any plasticor other material, desired, but in the exemplary embodiment,polycarbonate is used.

Still referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 11H-I and FIG. 20A-20B the exemplaryembodiment utilizes a two tank 164,138 system along with a chiller tank169. Various embodiments may use one tank or more than three tanks, inthese embodiments the optical sensors 211,212,213,167,168 and spill overtube 171 may differ than the exemplary embodiment. The spill over tube171 connects to a port 202 on the secondary tank 138 and into the bottomof the primary tank 164.

Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 20A-20B in the exemplary embodiment,the secondary tank 138 may be used to measure the amount of water readyto be dispensed. In a ready-state, the secondary tank 138 may becompletely filled, and may be capable of dispensing operationsindependent of the amount of water in the primary tank 164. Water mayenter through the top of the secondary tank 138 and travel down thesides of the tank 138, creating a visually appealing display.

Referring now to FIG. 14-14A and FIGS. 11 and 11Z, product water may betransferred from primary tank 164 to secondary tank 138 by way of thepumping mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, a fill pump 166 iscoupled to the filling conduit 170 fluidly connecting the primary tank164 and secondary tank 138. The fill pump 166 may facilitate filling thesecondary tank 138, and in various embodiments, the fill pump 166 mayprovide a means for circulation, and/or provide required flow forultraviolet sterilization components. Additionally, the fill pump 166may receive and respond to electrical signals from a programmable logiccontroller (“PLC”), 184 and/or purification controller 165. In someembodiments, the fill pump 166 may be engaged after a certain volume ofwater is dispensed from the secondary tank 138, or upon initializationof the vending apparatus 113 from an empty state. In still otherembodiments, the fill pump 166 may run continuously to circulate andsterilize water stored in the dispensing portion 139.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 11Z and additionally FIG. 11X the fillpump 166 may cause water rushing into the secondary tank 138 to beturbulent, and difficult to dispense. Level water is also important inpreventing false information from being sent to the fill pump 166, suchas, communication from a sensor to the PLC 184 that the secondary tank138 is full when it is not. Accordingly, a diffuser 243 may be utilizedto facilitate a controlled, even, filling flow of the secondary tank138. In the exemplary embodiment, the diffusing device 243 may existbetween the filling conduit 170 and top of the secondary tank 138. Invarious embodiments, a diffuser may be used in a similar fashion tocontrol the flow of water from the purification system 100 to theprimary tank 164. In the various embodiments, any type of diffuser maybe used.

Referring to FIG. 14-14A, and FIG. 20A-20B one or more sensors may becoupled to the tanks 164,138 to facilitate transfer of water throughoutthe vending apparatus 113. Sensors may be of the off-the-shelf opticaltype, such as, a GEMS ELS-900 by Gems Sensors & Controls Plainview,Conn., which is capable of sensing the presence of water by measuringthe difference of index of refraction with respect to an empty tank. Inthe exemplary embodiment, a minimum volume sensor 167 located on theprimary tank 164 detects whether the primary tank 164 contains a volumesufficient to fill the secondary tank 138. A maximum volume sensor 168may detect the presence of a completely filled primary tank 164. In someembodiments, the minimum volume sensor 167 may send a signal to a PLC184 after a particular volume, such as, but not limited to, 7 gallons,has been transferred into the primary tank 164 from the purificationsystem 100; the PLC 184 may then send a signal to the pump 166responsible for transferring product water from the primary tank 164into the secondary tank 138. The purification system 100 may continue tofill the primary tank 164 until the maximum volume sensor 168 detects acompletely filled state, at which point, the maximum volume sensor 168may send a signal to the PLC 184 or the purification system 100 to ceasefilling operations. Since the dispensing process may reduce the volumeof water stored in the tanks 164,138, the PLC 184 may signal thepurification system 100 to begin production of water and transfer theproduct water to the primary tank 164. In some embodiments, additionalsensors may be coupled to the metering/secondary tank 138.

Still referring to FIG. 20A-B sensors may be coupled to the tanks164,138 via male pipe threads, such as, but not limited to, ¼ inch malepipe threads, but in other embodiments, a larger or smaller thread maybe used. Predrilled threaded holes may be utilized to receive thesensors. Teflon tape may additionally be used to secure the sensors, butin other embodiments, any type of securing device may be used, and othertape materials are contemplated. Again, polycarbonate tank material maybe advantageous due to its ease of mating with Teflon tape. In otherembodiments, straight threads with an o-ring seal that may be used forsecuring the sensors.

In other various embodiments, the number of sensors utilized in fillingoperations may be reduced or increased. In some embodiments, additionalsensors may be coupled to the secondary tank 138 to ensure a fillingoperation has been completed. Conversely, the number of sensors may bereduced by using predetermined dispensing volumes, and fill timevariables. In some embodiments, a signal may be sent to the PLC 184 todispense 5 gallons of water from the primary nozzle 114; the PLC 184 maythen send a signal to engage the fill pump 166 for a period of time suchthat the secondary tank 138 is refilled; additionally the purificationsystem 100 may also be engaged for a period of time such that theprimary tank 164 is refilled.

Now referring to FIG. 11D-E and FIG. 11N-Q the primary tank 164 may alsoincorporate a ventilation system to allow atmospheric pressure to enterand exit the dispensing system 139. A venting conduit 203 may be neededto maintain or adjust the rate of flow through the dispensing portion139. The venting conduit 203 may be comprised of a length of silicontube coupled to a port 206 located on the top of the primary tank 164,as well as, incorporating a filtering device 178, such as, a HighEfficiency Particulate Air (“HEPA”) filter 178 to prevent outsideparticulate from entering the dispensing system 139. Additionally, insome embodiments, there may be an additional tube, an airflow conduit248, where air may be transferred from the secondary tank to the primarytank during the dispensing process. This airflow conduit may assist withkeeping the necessary amount of air within the system to actuate thenozzle valves 159. This airflow conduit 248 also brings air back to theprimary tank 164 when the secondary tank 138 is being filled. In variousembodiments, the diameter of the ventilation port 206 may be increasedor decreased such that a desired rate of flow is obtained. In variousembodiments, the location of the HEPA filter 178 may vary. However, inthe exemplary embodiment the HEPA filter 178 is located in a highlocation so as to minimize spilling water into the filter 178.

Still referring to FIG. 11D-E and additionally FIGS. 11, 11R-S and 11V-Win an overflow situation, tubing 244 may be advantageous in that it mayallow a certain volume of water to flow out of the tube 244, therebyexiting the primary tank 164 to the drain 246 without adversely exitingthe dispensing portion 139. In some embodiments, there may also be aproduct divert line 247 this product divert line 247 may divert productwater away from the primary tank 164 and towards the drain 246 for someor all product, waste, blowdown, overflow water.

Referring to FIG. 14-14A and FIG. 20A-20B, upon execution of a fillrequest, product water may be dispensed from the secondary tank 138 to anozzle assembly 114,123. Thus, the secondary tank 138 may serve bothstorage and delivery purposes. Physical delivery of product water to anozzle assembly 114,123 may include actuating a valve 159 and lettingthe force of gravity (or natural water pressure from the secondary tank138) flow the water away from the secondary tank 138. With thisconfiguration, it may be advantageous to position the secondary tank 138at a location vertical to the nozzle assemblies 114,123 to ensure anadequate rate of flow. In the exemplary embodiment, the pneumaticallyactuated ball valve actuator, also called the actuator block 180 ismounted on the underside of the secondary tank 138, between the tank 138and the nozzle 114,123.

In various embodiments, a pump may be used to shift product water from atank to a nozzle assembly. Similarly, pressurizing the tank itself mayalso encourage water flow. These systems may be advantageous wherelimited space inside the vending apparatus 113 precludes use of a tanklocated vertically above the nozzle assemblies, or in situations wheregravity is not the exemplary means of delivery.

Still referring to FIG. 14-14A and FIG. 20A-20B in the exemplaryembodiment a sensor 168 is located high on the primary tank 164 thatsenses the presence of water. Where the sensor 168 does not detectwater, a signal is sent to the purification system 100 to beginoperation.

Still referring to FIG. 14A-14B and FIG. 20A-20B although in theexemplary embodiment of the apparatus 113, the water exiting the vaporcompression distiller (also referred to as “VCD” or purification system100), may be free of microbial bacterial, or include reducedcontamination, the vending apparatus 113 may, in some embodiments, toprotect from any microbial bacteria present in the dispensing system139, incorporate a means of sterilizing the stored water since waterexiting the dispensing system 139 may not be completely free ofmicrobial bacteria. In the exemplary embodiment, an ultraviolet (“UV”)microbial sterilizer 172 is coupled to the fluid path 194 between theprimary and secondary tank 164, 138 (respectively). The UV sterilizer172 may be any of the type that are designed specifically for drinkingwater, however, other UV sterilizers 172 may be utilized as manydifferent brands are well known in the art. In the exemplary embodiment,the UV microbial sterilizer 172 is a Sterilight SPV-1.5 made bySterilight Inc, Corporation, Ontario Canada. In various embodiments, theUV microbial sterilizer 172 may be located between the nozzle assembly114,123 and the secondary tank 138 to sterilize just before dispensingthe water. Fluid may pass through the UV sterilizer 172 such that a UVlight bulb exposes the passing fluid to UV light, killingmicroorganisms. The UV sterilizer 172 may also be coupled to, orinternally incorporate, sensors capable of sending signals to the PLC184 and the purification system 100 to halt the flow of water in theevent that the UV sterilizer 172 is degraded; such as, but not limitedto, a burnt out UV bulb, or unacceptable wavelength and/or intensity ofthe emitted UV light may cause the sterilizer 172 to send signals to thePLC 184 to cancel vending request and/or halt purification.

Still referring to FIG. 14A, in the exemplary embodiment, there is adedicated path for the UV system. In the exemplary embodiment, water maybe pulled out of the primary tank 164 by means of a circulation pump orUV pump 209, which may be any pump including but not limited to acentrifugal pump; the water may be pushed through the UV sterilizer 172and up into the secondary tank 138. The UV disinfected water enters thesecondary tank 138 near the bottom and then flows out by means of thespill over tube or over flow conduit 171, the spill over tube 171 thenreturns back into the primary tank 164.

In other various embodiments, one or more other various microbialsterilizers may be utilized. Additionally, a microbial sterilizer mayreside in a different location within the vending apparatus 113, suchas, between the purification system 100 and the primary tank 164. Inother various embodiments, the UV sterilizer 172 may be located on thefill tube 170, therefore requiring only one pump for the dispensingsystem 139. In these embodiments, the sterilizer 172 may be of adifferent kind or may be larger as to accommodate the larger flow ofwater from the primary tank 164 to the secondary tank 138. In otherembodiments, the sterilizer 172 may be the same kind however the fillpump 166 may run slower to allow the UV sterilizer 172 to accommodatethe capacity of the sterilizer.

In other various embodiments, chemicals, such as chlorine, chlorinedioxide, hypochlorite, phosphate, peroxide, trioxygen, or otherchemicals may be used to sterilize water. However, using chemicalsincludes maintenance tasks associated with renewing or testing chemicalconcentration, and the safety issues that may arise due to the potentialfor human error. In contrast, a UV sterilization system may be reliablyoperated for months or years at a time with less maintenance.

**Still referring to FIG. 14A and additionally FIGS. 18 and 20A-20B,since the exemplary embodiment may not contain chemicals to destroybacteria from growing within the tanks 164,138 and conduits 170,171,194,water residing in the dispensing portion 139 may be sterilized by UVlight and continuously circulated. Benefits from continuous flow includedeionization of the water and self cleaning tank capability. Thecirculation cycle may take approximately 10 minutes (i.e., everyparticle of water is sterilized every 10 min), at a flow rate of 1.5gallons/minute. In the exemplary embodiment circulation may befacilitated through the UV conduit 194 by a small circulation pump 209,this fluid path may begin with transferring water through a port 200located on the bottom of the primary tank 164, through a particulatestrainer, through the circulation pump 209, through the UV sterilizer172, through a UV valve 186 to the bottom of the secondary tank 138,where the water will continue filling the tank until it reaches thespill over tube 171 in the secondary tank 138, the spill over conduit171 may be coupled to a port 201 located on the bottom of the primarytank 164.

Still referring to FIG. 14A-14B and FIGS. 18 and 20A-20B, consideringthe exemplary circulation configuration, the port 174 through whichwater exits the primary tank 164 may be located on bottom of the tank164, and the port 201 through which water returns to the primary tank164 may be located anywhere on the primary tank 164 however in theexemplary embodiment, the port 201 may be located approximately a′/4 wayup from the bottom of the tank. This configuration may lessen thechances of stagnant water in the dispensing system 139 and ensure thatthe entire volume of water is circulated. This is the exemplaryembodiment however this is not the only embodiment, the port 174 whichwater exits may be in any location on the tank 164 as to allow theentire or a portion of the water to circulate.

Now referring to FIG. 14B, in other embodiments, circulation may befacilitated by the fill pump 166. In these embodiments, the fluidsterilization path through the dispensing portion 139 may be comprisedof the following flow path: water may be transferred through a port 174located on the primary tank 164, through an 80×80 mesh particulatestrainer 208, through the fill pump 166, through the UV sterilizer 172,through the UV valve 186, through a diffuser 243 coupled to a port 173located on the secondary tank 138; water may then fill the secondarytank 138, spill over the rim of the secondary tank 138 into an overflowconduit 171 coupled to a port 201 located on the bottom of the primarytank 164.

Still referring to FIG. 14A-14B, one limiting factor in optimizing thecirculation flow is the maximum flow rate at which the UV sterilizer 172may properly sterilize water. This factor may vary as many differentsterilizers may be used as noted previously. Another limiting factor isthe noise and vibration the fill pump 166 may create when in use. Theseaspects may be mitigated by adjusting the flow rate to a slower setting.Vibration dampers may be, but is not limited to, a rubber isolationmount or foam rubber, may also be placed between the pump 166 and theframe 160 and/or around the pump 166. The vibration dampers may beanything to isolate the movement of the pump 166 from the frame 160.

The type of conduit used to create the fluid pathways throughout thevending apparatus 113 may be selected based on safety and affect onwater taste. In the exemplary embodiment, ultra-pure, platinumcatalyzed, medical-grade silicone tubing is used because there is noplasticization agent in the silicon which may contaminate and adverselyaffect the taste of the water. Silicone tubing is the industry standardfor vending machines, however, other types of tubing may be used, suchas, but not limited to, Tygon tubing which is designed for beverageapplications.

The size of conduit used may be selected based on application within thevending apparatus 113. In general, large volume flow rates requirelarger tubing. It may be beneficial to use smaller tubing where possibleto save space, cost, and prevent stagnancy. In the exemplary embodiment,shown in FIG. 11A-11E, three sizes are used: ¾ inch, ½ inch, and ⅜ inch.The largest ¾ inch tubing may couple the secondary tank 138 to theprimary tank 164 for rapid filling, and may also be used to return waterspilling over the top of the secondary tank 138 to the primary tank 164during circulation. The ½ inch tube may be used for air-venting (mayalso accommodate overflow) the secondary tank 138, for a balancingpurpose, the air vent conduit 203 may be of similar size as thedispensing nozzle 114,123. The smallest ⅜ inch tubing is used for the UVsterilization/circulation process because the sterilizer 172 requires alower flow rate relative to the rest of the fluid pathways.

Still referring to FIG. 11A-11E, as previously mentioned, the volume ofthe secondary tank 138 may be used for measuring or determining aspecific volume of water to be dispensed; tubing attached to the sidesof the tank 138 may shift the maximum volume. In some embodiments, wheretubing may be coupled to the sides of the secondary tank 138, it may beimportant to note that the smallest possible tubing is desirable asvolumetric errors during dispensing operations may be increased by usinglarger tubing. However in these embodiments, it may be possible tocalibrate the sensors so the sensors 211,212,213 may account for thediameter of the tubes. However in other embodiments, the tubing may bebelow the 5 gallon dispensing sensor 213 and therefore may not causevolumetric errors.

1.2 Filling Cavity

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 3, the vending apparatus 113 maycontain a filling cavity 116, which may be embodied as a recessed regionextending into the housing surface. The filling cavity 116 may definethe area in which vendee/vending apparatus interactions occur, and morespecifically, a region in which one or more interfaces may be capable ofdispensing product water to a vessel 121 a-121 c residing at a fillingstation 116 a-116 b. Additionally, the filling cavity 116 may havedimensions such that a broad range of vendee-supplied vessels 121 a-121c, such as small drinking glasses 121 c to five gallon jugs 121 b, areable to be filled. To facilitate the abovementioned functionality, thefilling cavity 116 may contain one or more filling stations 116 a-c,proximity sensors 133, 134,152 water quality sensing components, amultipurpose interface 117, and one or more control panels 146,141. Inother various embodiments, one or more of the abovementioned componentsmay reside outside the filling cavity 116.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, in the exemplary embodiment, a filling cavity116 is located on the front, dispensing portion 139 of the vendingapparatus 113, and approximately chest-height with respect to an averageperson. Careful positioning of the filling cavity 116 may lessen theamount of work required in removing a full vessel 121 b upon completionof the water vending process. In other embodiments, the filling cavitymay be in the lower portion of the front of the dispensing portion 139of the vending apparatus 113. This may allow for easy transfer offilling vessels 121 a-c to and from water carts or other vehicles usedto carry the vessels 121 a-c.

1.2.1 Primary Filling Station

Still referring to FIG. 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the primaryfilling station 116 a may adequately service vessels 121 b having avolume of approximately 5 gallons. This station may accomplish a fillingoperation utilizing a primary base surface 115, main nozzle 114,proximity sensor 134, and a switch or control panel 146. The primarybase surface 115 may provide a stable surface on which vessels 121 b mayrest throughout the course of a filling operation, and further, may havea structural composition such that fully filled vessels 121 b may beadequately supported for an indefinite amount of time after a fillingoperation is complete. A vessel 121 b placed on the primary base surface115 may trigger a proximity sensor 134 (discussed further below), whichmay send a signal to the dispensing control or PLC 184 circuitry topermit a fill operation. The logic to permit a fill operation includeswhere the machine senses the presence of either a 5 or 1 gallon jug 121b, 121 a. The control algorithm in the PLC 184 then chooses which valve180 to actuate upon vendee input to a control panel 146.

Still referring to FIG. 6, product water may be dispensed to a vessel121 b at the primary filling station 116 a through a main nozzle 114protruding from the upper portion of the filling cavity 116. Positioningof the main nozzle 114 may be optimized such that product water flowsdirectly to the center of the vessel 121 a on the base surface 115. Invarious embodiments, water flow rate and/or water stream diameter may bea predetermined, nonadjustable parameter. However, in certainembodiments, flow rate and/or water stream diameter may be adjustablevia a manual twisting mechanism on the nozzle 114,123, or automated viaa control panel. In the exemplary embodiment, the filling station 116 isa plywood structure having covering of stainless steel side and backwalls, and a plastic spill tray with a plywood structure.

1.2.2 Secondary Filling Station

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the filling cavity 116 may also include asecondary filling station 116 b, having a secondary base surface 125 andserviced by a secondary nozzle 123. This filling station may provebeneficial in accommodating vessels with a smaller form factor thanvessels 121 b serviced by the main nozzle 114. In the exemplaryembodiment, 1 gallon vessels 121 a are serviced at the secondary fillstation 116 b, however, in other embodiments this station mayaccommodate a varying array of vessel volumes.

Still referring to FIG. 7-9, the secondary base surface 125 may beelevated to minimize the distance from secondary nozzle 123 to the rimof a 1 gallon vessel 121 a. Additionally, the secondary base surface 125may be capable of folding flat against, or mating with, a back plate 148oriented adjacent to the vertical wall of the filling cavity 116. In acompletely unfolded state the secondary base surface 125 may reside at a90 degree angle from the back plate 148. Folding functionality may befacilitated by way of one or more hinges 147 coupling the back plate 148and the secondary base surface 125. In other embodiments, the secondarybase surface 125 may not fold flat against the back plate 148, thebottom of the secondary base surface 125 may be used to help locate thecorrect positioning for the vessel used in the primary filling station116 a. In this embodiment, the bottom of the secondary base surface 125may be designed to fit the receiving end, the opening, or mouth of the 5gallon vessel 121 b in a position as to allow the main nozzle 114 todispense water directly into the vessel 121 b. In another embodiment ofthis embodiment, the bottom of the secondary base surface 125 may bedesigned to fit the neck of the 5 gallon vessel 121 b in a position asto allow the main nozzle 114 to dispense water directly into the vessel121 b.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, in certain embodiments that incorporatethe abovementioned folding functionality, the secondary base surface 125may rest on a protuberance 181 of the filling cavity 116 such thatstress on the hinges is minimized and stability is increased (FIG. 4 andFIG. 9 show secondary filling station 116 b in an upright position).

In various embodiments, a secondary filling station 116 b may include anon-elevated base surface residing on the same plane as the primaryfilling station base surface 115. In this configuration a secondaryfilling nozzle 123 may be located below the main nozzle 114 to reducethe distance product water must travel to a vessel 121 a.

In various embodiments, a nozzle assemblies 114,123 and water flow pathmay allow product water to be dispensed to two or more vesselssimultaneously. In one of these embodiments, both the 1 gallon vessel121 a and 5 gallon vessel 121 b may be filled at the same time.

In various embodiments, a secondary filling station 116 b may reside ata location isolated from the filling cavity 116. Front, side, andbackside areas of the vending apparatus 113 may provide an adequateregion for placement of a secondary filling station 116 b. Further, asecondary filling station 116 b may exist as an easy-access spout of thetype commonly found on water coolers.

1.2.3 Nozzles

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7-8, in the exemplary embodiment, bothmain nozzle 114 and secondary nozzle 123 may be constructed fromstainless steel. In the exemplary embodiment, the stainless steelnozzles 114,123 are surrounded by an acrylic ring with imbedded LEDs218. However, in other embodiments, the nozzle 114,123 may be made froma clear plastic material. In either case, in the exemplary embodimentLEDs 218 may be embedded within the plastic and programmed to illuminatecontinuously, or at certain steps within a vending operation. Nozzleillumination may also provide a basic error checking mechanism for thevendee. In some embodiments, LED circuitry may be programmed toilluminate before product water is distributed to the piping associatedwith a targeted nozzle. This way, a vendee may be more likely todiscover an error in the dispensing process (or error in vesselplacement), and take steps to prevent spilling product water. This mayinclude moving a vessel 121 a to the correct nozzle, utilizing adiscontinue button (not shown), or notifying a water vending apparatusrepresentative.

In other various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 28A-B, one or morefilling stations 116 a-116 c may have a swiveling single nozzle havingone or more orifices within the nozzle. In this configuration, a singlenozzle may be manipulated such that it provides product water to theprimary filling station 116 a in one position and the secondary fillingstation 116 b in another position. Further, a swiveling nozzle apparatusmay provide a means of occluding the unused nozzle orifice to preventloss of product water. Swiveling functionality may be performed manuallyor, alternatively, as an automated operation in response to vendee inputfrom a control panel. In some embodiments, the swiveling function may beperformed automatically once the proximity sensor 133 or 134 recognizesa vessel 121 a or 121 b has been placed in the filling cavity 116.

In other various embodiments, one or more filling stations may include atelescoping nozzle. A telescoping nozzle capabilities may provide ameans of lessening the distance from nozzle to vessel 121 b, preventingthe urge to hold a vessel 121 b up to a nozzle. In such a configuration,a vendee may manually perform the telescoping function when filling avessel 121 b with a small form factor. Alternatively, telescopingfunctionality may be automated and extend/retract according to vendeeinput on a control panel. The telescoping functionality may be automatedwith proximity sensors to detract/retract so no additional vendee inputis required. In this embodiment, the proximity sensors may determine avessel 121 b is in place and automatically detract to accommodate thevessel 121 b for filling.

Now referring to FIG. 8A-C, in various embodiments, nozzle assembliesmay implement material, such as but not limited to, tubing, to providean even, parallel layered fluid flow commonly referred to as laminarflow. In some embodiments having a smooth, even fluid flow would bedesirable to limit or eliminate water spraying in various directionsonce exiting the nozzle assemblies prior to entering the vessel. In theexemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A-8B, the main nozzle implementsa means for providing a laminar fluid flow towards the vessel. Thelaminar flow is created by using 12 stainless steel tubes of a 0.24 inchinner diameter and a thickness of approximately 0.0125 inch. This tubingis only the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments may use tubing of alarger or smaller diameter or a larger or smaller thickness of thetubing. Also in other embodiments, greater than or less than 12 tubesmay be used to achieve the optimal desired fluid flow from the nozzle.Stainless steel was chosen because it will not rust, will not cause adiscoloration or change in taste in the water. In other embodiments,stainless steel may not be chosen and any material that will not rust,cause discoloration or change the taste of the water would be desirable.In some embodiments, it may be desirable, to cut down on tubing, to havetubing that does not extend throughout the nozzle assembly. In theexemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B the tubing providing laminarflow is approximately 0.25 inch above the end of the nozzle. This isonly the exemplary embodiment, in some embodiments it may beadvantageous to have tubing extending to the end of the nozzle or beyondthe nozzle.

1.2.4 Control Panel

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, a controlpanel 146 resides outside and vertical to, the filling cavity 116. Thecontrol panel 146 may be a single button which sends a fill request todispensing control circuitry. In turn, such a request may be granted ordenied based on analysis of a variety of input variables required for afilling operation to commence. These variables may include product waterstorage tank levels, proximity sensor output, dispensing componentstatus, purification component status, product water quality levels, orother status indicators. A fill request may be denied where proximitysensor output signals are determinative that no vessel 121 b, 121 aexists at the primary or secondary base surface 115, 125 (respectively).In some embodiments a fill request may be denied where the waterpurification system 100 has sent a status signal to the dispensingcontrol circuitry, also referred to as the PLC, 184 indicating that oneor more components are in a degraded state. When the dispensing controlcircuitry 184 has determined that all variables required to dispenseproduct water are in a logic high state, product water may be dispensedto a vessel 121 b, 121 a depending on the placement at the fillingstation 116 a, 116 b.

In other various embodiments, one or more control panels may beincorporated within the filling cavity 116. Additionally, each fillstation 116 a, 116 b may be associated with a dedicated control panelfor filling operations.

In other various embodiments a control panel 146 may be comprised of afill button and a discontinue button. A discontinue button may beadvantageous where dispensing control circuitry is programmed todispense a predetermined volume of product water, thus allowing a vendeeto prevent a vessel 121 a,121 b from overflowing. Another advantage of adiscontinue button may be partial filling capability. A vending controlpanel 146 may also be comprised of an assortment of Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD) units, buttons, switches and/or knobs. In someembodiments, a vendee may manually enter the volume to be dispensed,select a working nozzle 114, 123, and complete the fill request by wayof depressing a fill button on an electronic keypad.

In various embodiments, a predetermined volume of water may be dispensedto a vessel 121 a, 121 b based on positioning at a fill station 116 a,116 b. In this configuration, a vendee may be required to supply avessel 121 a, 121 b with a volume corresponding to one of thepredetermined volumes supported by the vending apparatus 113. In othervarious embodiments, a vendee may select from a range preset volumesfrom a control panel, or input a volume manually.

Now referring to FIG. 1A, in the exemplary embodiment, to keep buttons,switches and knobs to a minimum, to discontinue filling a vessel, thevendee may press the fill button twice to discontinue filling thevessel. In some embodiments, if a vendee supplied a 5 gallon vessel 121b, but only needed 3 gallons the vendee may use the control panel 146 tosubmit a fill request and after 3 gallons has dispensed, the vendee mayuse the control panel using the same manner in selecting a fill requestto discontinue filling the vessel. This may discontinue filling thevessel prior to the 5 gallon expectation of the system.

1.2.5 Multipurpose Interface

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, FIG. 11V-11W, the filling cavity 116 mayalso contain a multipurpose interface 117 which may operate as a fillingstation, or as a water quality multipurpose interface, depending onmode. In filling mode, this component may be beneficial for vendeesseeking to fill a vessel smaller than 1 gallon, or more specifically,vendees seeking no more than a single glass of water per use. In thefilling mode, a drinking glass valve 216 similar to the valves 159 inthe primary and secondary nozzles 114, 123, respectively, is actuated toallow the water to flow to the glass. In testing mode, such a componentmay aid the vendee in deciding whether or not the machine is functioningproperly and/or aid maintenance personnel in performing diagnostictests. In the testing mode, once the water is dispensed and tested usinga conductivity sensor 143 to test the water then the water will passthrough a conductivity valve 217 before it flows to the multipurposeinterface drain 144 to the interface drain tube 245 to exit the systemtowards the drain 246. Mode may be selectable based on input from acontrol panel 141.

In the exemplary embodiment, a multipurpose interface 117 may becomposed of a recessed metallic region with dimensions such that adrinking glass or any other small vessel 121 c may be insertedunderneath an upper panel 150. A spout 151 and a proximity sensor 152may reside under the upper panel 150. Within the recessed area, anangled spillway 118 may prevent product water from splashing out of thefilling cavity 116, and additionally, provide a path for product water(or even vendee supplied water) to reach a conductivity sensor 143 afterpassing through a multipurpose drain 144.

Regarding usage as a filling station, a multipurpose interface 117 mayincorporate a proximity sensor 152 (functioning as previously described)residing underneath the upper panel 150. When a vessel 121 c is placedwithin the recessed area, product water may be automatically dispensed.In this configuration, product water may be dispensed continuously aslong as the sensor's return signal is obstructed from reaching thedetector. Overflow water may drain into the multipurpose drain 144 andadditionally pass over one or more inactive or active conductivitysensors 143 before being transferred into a drainage or recirculationsystem.

In other various embodiments of a multipurpose interface, a proximitysensor may be omitted from the design and an electronic keypad may beused to carry out the function of dispensing product water in fill-mode.In other embodiments, a single button may be utilized rather than anelectronic keypad to dispense the product water.

In the exemplary embodiment, a 1 gallon chiller 169 may be utilized toreduce the temperature of product water dispensed from the multipurposeinterface 117. Operating at 0 degrees Celsius, the chiller 169 may alsobe cold enough to prevent or slow the growth of most harmful bacteria.Such a component may be needed as the heat exchanger 102 may not coolproduct water to a favorable drinking temperature. A chiller 169 may actas an intermediary component between the secondary tank 138 and themultipurpose interface 117. The chiller may utilize a fan 205, acondenser 210, a compressor 145, and refrigeration coils 126, ascommonly known in the art of refrigeration. In various embodiments, thechiller 169 may be larger or smaller than 1 gallon.

Preferably located below the secondary tank 138 and above themultipurpose interface 117, the chiller 169 may utilize a gravity basedfilling and distribution system; such as, but not limited to, productwater may drain from a port 176 on the secondary tank 138 into thechiller 169 at a gravity determined flow rate, and pass through thespout 151 upon fill/test request.

Now referring to FIG. 14A-B, the chiller 169 may be surrounded by aninsulating layer 177 for increased efficiency and to preventcondensation from forming and dripping onto other dispensing components.This layer may be comprised of a hard urethane foam core (2 halves) anda soft neoprene outer covering/shell for insulation.

In various embodiments, the chiller 169 may be bypassed when themultipurpose interface 117 is in test mode such that product water isdispersed from secondary tank 138 directly to the spout 151.

Regarding usage as a testing interface, referring to FIG. 9, amultipurpose interface 117 may incorporate one or more sensors, such asa conductivity sensor 143, display 119, and control panel 141. Aconductivity sensor 143 may be utilized to test the quality of water bymeasuring the ability of water to conduct electric current. Usually whenthere are a greater proportion of ions in water the conductivity of thewater is higher. In the exemplary embodiment, product water may besupplied to the sensor 143 via the spout 151 or a sample of water from avendee supplied vessel 121 a, 121 b, 121 c. Thus, a vendee may also usethe multipurpose interface 117 to test vendee-supplied raw water or avending competitor's water before deciding to proceed with fillingoperation.

Again referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, the conductivity sensor may becoupled to a display 119 and the control panel 141. In some embodiments,a display 119 may visually depict a conversion from sensor output to aneasy to read vertical light strip. As shown in FIG. 4, a vendee may testthe quality of the product water by first utilizing a control panel 141to set the multipurpose interface 117 in test mode. The test-mode statemay initialize the conductivity sensor 143 or simply apply power to itscontrol circuitry and also power the display 119. Next, the vendee maydepress another button (or the same button yet again) on the controlpanel 141 to dispense a product water sample over the conductivitysensor 143. Sample water may be dispensed in a predetermined volume, orfor the duration of the button press. Finally, the display 119 mayilluminate for a predetermined period of time, depicting the puritylevel. In certain embodiments, the display may stay illuminated untiltest-mode is discontinued.

It may be important that sample water be removed from a local storageunit, such as the secondary tank 138, the chiller tank 169, or theprimary tank 164, connected to the purification portion 100 to ensurethat product water from a subsequent dispense operation will havesubstantially similar conductivity levels. In the exemplary embodiment,the water exits from the chiller tank 169 however the water may exit anytank for testing purposes. An additionally aspect that may be importantin the exemplary design, is that product water visibly falls onto anangled spillway 118 so that a vendee may have increased confidence thatthe multipurpose interface 117 is legitimately testing product water.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the water quality display 119 may conveypurity information to a vendee by illuminating a number of LEDsproportional to the output of the conductivity sensor 143. In theexemplary embodiment, the highest state of purity may illuminate asingle LED at the highest point of a vertically aligned strip of LEDs.As water quality decreases, additional LEDs may be incrementally litdown the strip. The lowest state of purity may consist of the entirestrip being illuminated. Further, the display 119 may be color codedsuch that purity information is more intuitive. In the exemplaryembodiment, LEDs are colored from blue at the highest purity, yellow inthe middle, and to red at the lowest purity. In other embodiments, theLED colors may be any in the visible spectrum or, in some embodimentsincorporating various colored lighting, any colors in the nonvisiblespectrum may be used when informing a vendee of water purity.

In various embodiments, different components or mechanisms fordisplaying purity may be implemented. A different display may take theform of a gauge, meter, LCD unit, or a combination of visual indicators.Similarly, different colors are contemplated for an array of LEDs suchas in the exemplary embodiment.

The multipurpose interface 117 may also include a door 142. In theexemplary embodiment, the door is of the sliding type and has a tab 153for manually producing sliding motion. A fully closed state results inthe door 142 slid down over the front recession of the multipurposeinterface 117, fully covering the internal components. In a fully openstate, as shown in FIG. 9, the majority of the door 142 may be hiddenfrom view and slipped underneath both upper panel 150 and vendingmachine housing. A door may be important in maintaining the accuracy ofthe conductivity sensor by keeping the region relatively free ofunintended contact with air, dirt, water, and other particulate.Accordingly, in various embodiments, the entire filling cavity mayincorporate a door for similar reasons. In various embodiments, the door142 may be a sliding bar capable of protecting the conductivity sensor143 and the multipurpose drain 144.

1.2.6 Proximity Sensors

Proximity sensors 134, 133, 152 may be utilized to prevent dispensingproduct water without a vessel in appropriate position on the primary orsecondary base surfaces 125, 115 (respectively). A proximity sensingdevice 133, 134, 152 may be of the type commonly known in the art, andas such, emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation, such as an infraredbeam, and detect changes in the return signal. However, a proximitysensor may be embodied in a number of different technologies such as anultrasonic rangefinder, pressure sensing devices embedded in the basesurfaces, micro laser rangefinder, or other devices. Proximity sensoroutput may be one of several variables analyzed by dispensing controlcircuitry 184 before a filling event is permitted to occur.

In the exemplary embodiment, a proximity sensor 134 may be positionedwithin the filling cavity 116 such that a vessel 121 b resting on thebase surface 115 of the primary filling station 116 a may obstruct aninfrared beam, thus allowing a filling event to occur. Conversely, afilling request may be precluded where the proximity sensor 134 receivesan unobstructed return signal, indicating that no vessel is in place onthe base surface 115. Signal return may be facilitated by a surfacepositioned to optimize reflection of an electromagnetic beam. In certainembodiments, however, the vending apparatus housing may provide asufficient surface for reflecting a beam back to the emitter. In certainembodiments, different types of sensors are used and there would be noneed for a reflecting surface, a separate emitter and detector may beused wherein reflection is not necessary. In the exemplary embodiment, aproximity sensor 133 may be positioned within the filling cavity 116such that a vessel 121 a resting on the base surface 125 of thesecondary filling station 116 b may obstruct an infrared beam, thusallowing a filling even to occur.

Dispensing control circuitry, also called the PLC, 184 may provide errorchecking for proximity sensing devices. In the exemplary embodiment, thevending apparatus 113 is programmed to dispense through only one nozzleat a time, relying on proximity sensor output to determine which nozzleshould be utilized. Here, if dispensing control circuitry 184 determinesthat vessels exist at more than one fill station prior to dischargingproduct water, the filling request may not granted and/or the system maydisplay/sound an error. Further, the vending apparatus 113 may check forproximity sensor failure, and provide a means of continuing servicewithout relying on output from a failed sensor. In such a situation,dispensing circuitry 184 may execute a contingency routine, which mayallow a vendee to manually select an appropriate nozzle through, in someembodiments, a keypad.

In various embodiments, a proximity sensor may be positioned to minimizeerroneous output. This may include aiming the sensor toward the fillarea most likely to contain the largest diameter of a vessel (likely thebottom of the target fill station), thereby increasing the probabilityof correctly sensing a vessel. Additionally, one or more proximitysensors may be aimed at the same location. Having multiple sensors perfill station may minimize sensing error and become especiallyadvantageous where one or more sensors fail.

1.2.7 Assisted Vessel Positioning

Again referring to FIG. 7-8 and FIG. 26A-26C, 27, 28A-28B, in someembodiments the primary and secondary base surfaces 115, 125(respectively) may each include positioning indicators 149 b, 149 a,which may allow vendees to most efficiently ascertain the fluid flowpassing through the nozzle assemblies 114, 123. In other embodiments,the primary and secondary base surfaces 115, 125 (respectively) may eachinclude positioners 149 c, 149 d which may compel the vendee providedvessel 121 a, 121 b, 121 c, 121 d into an appropriate location below thenozzle assemblies 114, 123. These may be desirable in some embodimentsto ensure efficient transfer of water from machine to vessel.

In the exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 8, the filling cavity may havemultiple filling stations 116 a, 116 b and those filling stations 116 a,116 b may distribute different volumes of water. Because the vessels 121a, 121 b may not reach the nozzles 114, 123, there may be a need fordevices assisting the placement of the vendee vessels 121 a, 121 b as tolimit spilling. The positioning indicators 149 a, 149 b or positioners149 c, 149 d may range from indents in the base surface to LED lights.The exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 25A-B uses an extruded curvedsurface to help users position the vessel directly under the nozzle.

In other embodiments, FIG. 25A-25H, the positioner 149 a, 149 b may be,but is not limited to, a series of concentric indentations in the basesurface, 115, and 125 guiding the various vessels 121 a, 121 b to theproper location below the nozzle assemblies 114,123 as shown in FIG.25C-D. The back wall of the filling cavity 116 may contain a partialextrusion (not shown) preventing the vessel 121 a, 121 b from passingbeyond the nozzle flow path. In another embodiment, the positioningindicator 149 a, 149 b may be a protruding circle where the vessel 121a, 121 b may be positioned within as shown in FIG. 25G-H.

In some embodiments the positioning indicators 149 c, 149 d may be, butare not limited to, increasing concentric LED lights on the base surfaceof the filling cavity as shown in FIG. 25E-F. In other embodiments, thenozzle may contain at least one downward pointing laser light in whichthe vendee may position the vessel under the light to ensure the vesselis within the flow of the product water. In still other embodiments, theLED lights 218 may notify the vendee when the vessel enters the maximumreceiving position of dispensing water by shining a color that may be,but not limited to, yellow to show the vendee the vessel is not in anappropriate location and once the vendee moves the vessel to anappropriate location the LED lights 218 may shine a different color thatmay be, but is not limited to, blue to show the dispensing device 139 isready.

1.3 Drainage

Referring to FIG. 6-8, a water vending apparatus 113 may also havecollection reservoir 135 to allow spilled or overflow water to leave thevending apparatus 113 as waste water through a gravity induced draintube 157 to an all purpose drain 246. In the exemplary embodiment, acollection reservoir 135 is essentially a flush extension of the primarybase surface 115, protruding outward to accommodate generous overflowfrom the filling cavity 116. The primary base surface 115 may have aslight angle such that both base surfaces 115, 125 are able to flowspilled water into the collection reservoir 135. The base of thecollection reservoir 135 may also have a slight angle to allow water toreach the drain 136. The drain 136 may be connected to a substantiallyvertical output tube that provides a means for drainage to a targetedarea. In other embodiments, the drain 136 may be coupled via fluidconnection to a pumping mechanism for the purpose of evacuating wastewater.

In various embodiments, the water entering the collection reservoir 135may be re-circulated into the purification system 100. Realizing thatthe purification system 100 requires a pressurized input source,drainage water may be pumped from the collection reservoir 135 into apressurized tank. In turn, as the pressurized tank reaches a full state,the source water conduit (not shown) may be blocked and the purificationsystem 100 may accept drainage water instead of municipal raw water toenter the purification system 100 then the input conduit 122 beforeentering the dispensing portion 139. This embodiment may create a moreefficient system as it may reduce the amount of municipal raw waterrequired for operation. The input conduit 122 connects the purificationsystem 100 to the primary tank 164.

In various other embodiments, the primary base surface 115 may duallyfunction as a collection reservoir. Dual functionality may provebeneficial in minimizing the vending apparatus footprint, as aprotruding collection reservoir 135 may be eliminated from the design.In such a system, the primary base surface 115 may be comprised of aplurality of elongated slits spaced far enough apart to allow water topass through, yet spaced such that the surface is sound enough toprovide support for large loads.

2. Operating States

When the device 113 is completely shut down, the water in the primarytank 164 and secondary tank 138 remain where they are, there is nocirculation of the water. In various embodiments, water in the secondarytank 138 may be drained to prevent bacteria from growing within thesitting water or the water going stale. When the device 113 is shut downthe heater 101 and compressor 106 are not powered and wait for thedevice 113 to be powered on. Once the device 113 is powered on from theshut down state the device 113 may take up to 3 hours to become fullyoperational.

As described earlier, there is the running state, or operating state,where the purification system 100 is producing product water andblowdown. In the running state the purification system 100 is operatingand generally requires the water to enter the vending apparatus 113,preheat in the heat exchanger 102, heat and convert to steam, transforminto a high pressure steam, condense into product water within theevaporator condenser 104, fed into a level sensor assembly 108 then fedback into the heat exchanger 102. When the device 113 is in the runningstate, all elements of the device 113 are operating to produce productwater.

In the running state the purification system 100 may continue to fillthe primary tank 164 until the maximum volume sensor 168 detects acompletely filled state, at which point, the maximum volume sensor 168may send a signal to the PLC 184 or the purification system 100 to ceasefilling operations. When the primary tank 164 and secondary tank 138 arefilled, the device 113 may automatically enter a standby or idle state.In this idle state, the heater 101 may enable itself periodically tomaintain the system 100 at a temperature of approximately 110 degreescentigrade while the compressor 106 shuts down. In other embodiments ofthe idle state, the heater 101 may become enabled manually to maintainthe system 100 at a temperature of approximately 110 degrees centigradewhile the compressor 106 shuts down. In other embodiments of the idlestate, the heater 101 may run at a low output continuously rather thanenable and disable itself continuously. The water in the primary tank164 and secondary tank 138 may remain circulating however the device 113will refrain from producing more product water. This idle state consumesapproximately 100-200 watts to run but changing idle state to runningstate may only take 1-2 minutes for the device 113 to be fullyoperational.

3. Visual Display

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, the external housing of thevending apparatus 113 may have a display window 137 through whichpurified water in the secondary tank 138 may be viewed. This type ofinternal display 137 may be especially effective in areas of the worldin which raw water has previously been misrepresented as purified water.A Plexiglas window installed on the front of the machine, in someembodiments, may encourage use of the vending apparatus 113 byincreasing vendee confidence that product water is truly is purified. Insome additional embodiments, a light 220 may be used to illuminate thetank 138 show clarity of the water within the secondary tank 138.

In other various embodiments, a transparent material, such as,Plexiglas, through which an internal cavity is visible, may define oneor more vertical surfaces of the secondary tank 138 or primary tank 164.In such a configuration, the transparent material may also define anexternal surface of the vending apparatus 113. In the exemplaryembodiment, the secondary tank 138 has Plexiglas on the front verticalsurface allowing vendees to see the water being dispensed into thevessel.

In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 5A, the purification portion140 may be constructed to create an internal display such that the waterpurification system 100 may be viewed. In this configuration, a window127 placed on the external housing may coincide with an observationwindow located on the evaporator/condenser steam chest, producing apartial view of the purification process. Alternatively, a large sectionof the external housing surrounding the purification portion 140 may bereplaced with transparent material. To conserve heat energy, a displaywindow incorporated into the purification portion 140 may benefit frommultiple, spaced layers of Plexiglas, in various embodiments, andheavily insulated seams. In various embodiments, conventional doublepaned, vacuumed/gas filled windows may be implemented to allow vendeesto view the process and insulate the purification portion appropriately.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 5B, a real-time purificationpath display panel 128 may be similarly used to increase a vendee'slevel of trust in the purification process. Such a display panel may belocated on the external front or side housing, and may utilize LEDs 129,an electric circuit 130 (such as a simple circuit board for conversionof sensor output to LED 129 input), a graphical depiction 132 of theinternal water purification system 100, and/or text explanation 131 tocreate a step-by-step view of individual water purification procedures.Real-time updates of the water moving through the purification path maybe facilitated by coupling sensors to the water purification system 100;such as, but not limited to, a vendee may initiate the vending process,triggering an input flow sensor which sends a signal to a display logiccircuit 130, which in turn, illuminates one or more corresponding LEDlights 129 located near the graphically-depicted heat exchanger 132. Aswater continues through the system 100, other LEDs representing the heatexchanger 102, evaporator/condenser 104, and regenerative blower 106 maybe illuminated when appropriate.

In other various embodiments, a purification path display 128 may not belinked to sensors but instead simulate a purification flow pathcontinuously, or upon vendee input. In some embodiments, thisconfiguration involving a graphical display panel 128 may simply have acontinuously looping LED control circuit, drawing power from the mainvending apparatus power source.

In an even further embodiment, an internal display window 127 may becombined with a purification path display panel 128. In someembodiments, decals used represent the purification path may betransparent and overlaid, or etched onto a Plexiglas window.Additionally, LEDs may be embedded within the window 127.

In still further embodiments, a visual display 137 utilizing a windowmay not be desirable due to sunlight increasing the opportunity ofbacteria to grow within the tanks 164,138.

4. Control Systems 4.1 Dispensing Control

In various embodiments, now referring to FIG. 18, 20A-B, 21-22, aprogrammable logic controller (PLC) 184 may serve as a centralized nodefor sending control signals and processing variables associated withperforming filling operations. The PLC 184 may be of the type any typeknown in the art. The PLC 184 may be manually or automaticallyprogrammed with a set of instructions that respond to electrical inputsby way of processing, or analyzing the inputs with relation to a set ofpredefined variables or other inputs signals, and sending output controlsignals to various electrical and mechanical components within thedispensing portion 139. Signals may be distributed throughout thevending apparatus 113 by way of wire. The wire may be any sufficientgauge to carry the signal throughout the vending apparatus. In othervarious embodiments, the signals may be distributed wirelessly andtherefore no wiring would be necessary.

In other various embodiments, a PLC 184 may control the entirefunctionality of the vending apparatus 113, including the purificationsystem 100. In still other embodiments, the PLC 184 and purificationcontroller 165 may be combined into one single unit controller device.

In the exemplary embodiment, the PLC 184 is a Direct Logic DL06 byDirect Logic, Inc. Corp., Peoria, Ill., this is just the exemplaryembodiment however; any PLC 184 may be used in any of the describedembodiments of the vending apparatus 113. The PLC 184 may receive andsend signals throughout the vending apparatus.

4.1.1 Power On

Now referring to FIG. 21 once the vending device 113 is powered on 222,the device 113 will refrain from accepting fill requests until a seriesof requirements are met. The dispensing system PLC 184 may wait for theminimum volume sensor 167 to send a signal that there is water at thesensor 167, all shown in 219. This minimum volume sensor 167 may bemeasuring to confirm there is enough water, such as, but not limited to,5 gallons, in the primary tank 164 as to replenish the secondary tank138. There may also be a wait period 242 before the sensor 167 sends thesignal to confirm this is not a false positive and that there is waterat the sensor 167. In some embodiments there may not be a wait period242 or there may be additional sensors to confirm there are no falsepositive signals sent to the PLC 184. In another embodiment, the PLC 184may wait for the secondary tank sensors 211, 212, 213 to signal to thePLC 184 that there is water at each sensor including, the 5 gallonsensor 213, the 1 gallon sensor 212, and the overflow sensor 211 beforeaccepting a fill request rather than waiting for the minimum volumesensor 167 to signal there is water in the primary tank 164.

Still referring to FIG. 21, the dispensing system may confirm the fillpump 166 is pumping water to the secondary tank 138 and the over flow,or spill over sensor 211 determines there is water at the sensor 211,again there may be a wait period 242 to confirm this is not a falsepositive, shown in 223. There may be a maximum time period 221 given toreceive the signal from the pump 166 and over flow sensors 211 and ifthere is no signal received it may prove to be an error with the system113 and it may prove to be a way to check if the pump 166 or the overflow sensor 211 may be broken shown in 224. In some embodiments thereare additional sensors on the different components to confirm if thereis an error with the system 113 prior to the maximum time limit 221being reached. This would dismiss the need for the time limit.

Still referring to FIG. 21 once the fill pump 166 and the over flowsensor 211 signal to the PLC 184 that they are operating and ready, thefill pump 166 may turn off, and the 1 gallon sensor 212 may signal thereis water at the sensor 212, and the 5 gallon sensor 213 may then signalthere is water at the sensor 213 and the over flow sensor 211 shouldturn off because no excess water will be pumped into the tank 138, shownin 225. After a maximum time there is another time limit 221 where thesystem 113 may check if there is an error with the level sensors 211,212, 213 shown in 226. If the pump 166 and over flow sensor 211 turn offand the 1 and 5 gallon sensors 212, 213 (respectively) indicate there iswater at both sensors 212, 213 then the PLC 184 may check the nextsystem. Again in some embodiments there are additional sensors on thedifferent components to confirm if there is an error with the systemprior to the maximum time limit 221 being reached. This would dismissthe need for the time limit.

Still referring to FIG. 21, once the above mentioned sensors andelements indicate the system is ready, the UV pump, or circulation pump209, may begin pumping the product water. Then the UV valve 186 mayallow water through the circulation tube 194, following the UV pump 209and valve 186, the UV 172 may turn on to sterilize the product waterprior to dispensing it. Once all of the UV components are functioning,the 1 gallon illumination and 5 gallon illumination, LEDs 218, mayactivate to signal to a vendee the system 113 is ready to dispensewater. Once the LEDs 218 for the 1 gallon and 5 gallon nozzles activate,the overflow sensor 211 may sense water and signal to the PLC 218 thatwater is present at the sensor shown in 227. If the UV system or theilluminations 218 or over flow sensor 211 do not signify normalfunction, an error may be noted by the system that there is a pumpmalfunction or some malfunction between the devices shown in 228. Thewater may then continue to circulate between the UV system, the primarytank 164 and secondary tank 138 until a fill request is submitted.

4.1.2 Fill Request

Now referring to FIG. 22, when the vendee places a vessel 121 a, 121 bin the filling cavity 116, the proximity sensors 113, 134 in the fillingcavity 116 may detect if there is a 1 gallon 121 a or 5 gallon 121 bvessel present shown in 229. If there is no vessel detected, the waterwill circulate from the secondary tank 138 back to the primary tank 164and through the UV system until a vessel 121 a, 121 b is present shownin 230.

Still referring to FIG. 22, if the proximity sensors 133, 134 detect avessel 121 a, 121 b, then the UV 172 may turn off, the PLC 184 will thensignal the UV pump 209 to turn off, the system may then wait until theover flow sensor 211 does not detect water but that the 5 gallon sensor213 and the 1 gallon sensor 212 do detect water and air pressure sensor(not shown) detects enough air to turn the nozzle valve 159 on and off,as shown in 231. If the PLC 184 does not detect all of these signalsthen the system will time out 211 and signify there is an error with thelevel sensors 211 212, 213 or with the UV system, as shown in 232. Inother embodiments, there may be additional sensors to signal if there isan error with another sensor or with a system as to signal the errorbefore the time limit is reached.

Still referring to FIG. 22, if all the sensors signal to the PLC 184that everything is in order then the proximity sensors 133, 134 willsignal to the PLC 184 if there is a vessel 121 a, 121 b in the 1 gallonfilling surface 125 or in the 5 gallon filling surface 115. If there isa vessel 121 b in the 5 gallon filling surface 115, the 1 gallonilluminating LED may turn off and the “Fill” button may illuminate. Ifthere is a vessel 121 a in the 1 gallon filling surface 125, the 5gallon illuminating LED may turn off and the “Fill” button mayilluminate. Then the system may wait until there is a Fill request inputby the vendee as shown in 233, 234. In some embodiments, the fillrequest will be filled automatically based on a vessel 121 a, 121 bbeing present at one of the filling stations 116 a, 116 b. In theexemplary embodiment, the system will wait for the “Fill” button to beselected.

Still referring to FIG. 22, if a fill request is submitted then the fillstation 116 a, 116 b where, in some instances, the 5 gallon vessel ispresent in the filling station 116 a, the 5 gallon valve may releasewater until the 5 gallon sensor signals there is no water at the sensoras shown in 237. There is a time out 221 present for this filling as asafety in case the valve 159 or sensor 212, 213 malfunctions, this mayprevent spilled water, as shown in 238. The same process may occur forthe 1 gallon valve if there is a 1 gallon vessel 121 a present, as shownin 236. There may also be a time out 221 for the 1 gallon fillingstation 116 b that may prevent spilled water as well as shown in 235. Inother embodiments there may be a time limit based on the length of timeit may take to fill a 5 gallon or a 1 gallon vessel 121 b, 121 a basedon the speed of water leaving the dispensing system that may eliminate aneed for a water level sensor. In some of these embodiments, the waterflow rate may not be gravity based but rather include a dispensing pumpso the time limit may be as accurate as possible for filling the variousvessels.

Still referring to FIG. 22, once the volume sensor indicates the correctvolume of water has been dispensed, the valve 159 that recentlydispensed water will signal that it is closed, and the other nozzleassembly may illuminate, such as if the 5 gallon vessel 121 b wasrecently filled in the process, the valve in the main nozzle 114 mayturn off and the 1 gallon nozzle assembly 123 may illuminate, as shownin 239. Similarly, if the 1 gallon vessel 121 a was recently filled inthe process, the valve in the secondary nozzle 123 may turn off and the5 gallon nozzle assembly 1114 may illuminate, as shown in 240. Finally,the PLC 184 may restart the process back from FIG. 21 power on as shownin 222 and 241.

4.2 Purification Controller

In the exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the purificationsystem 100 may have a dedicated electrical control system, also referredto as the purification controller 165. The purification controller 165may be responsible for various tasks associated with management of thepurification portion 140, such as but not limited to, monitoringpurification system status, monitoring raw water quality, analyzingstatus data, responding to demand for product water, sending controlsignals, communicating with the PLC 184 or other dispensing components,and creating an event log. The purification controller itself will bediscussed further on.

To facilitate the above mentioned tasks of the purification controller165, the purification controller 165 may include one or more of thefollowing, but not limited to: hardware, software, at least oneprocessor and memory. Additionally, in some embodiments, this componentmay receive input from a plurality of sensors, coupled to thepurification system 100. Based on sensor output, physical control of thesystem may be accomplished by sending control signals to actuatorsand/or motors coupled to various control points on the purificationsystem 100.

Communication between PLC 184 and purification controller 165 may beimportant in maintaining an efficient vending apparatus. The PLC 184 mayinteract with the purification controller 165 to avoid generatingexcess, or a shortage of, product water. This may be accomplished by wayof sending request-production/stop-production signals over a buscoupling both units. Additionally, the PLC 184 may relay thepurification controller periodic dispensing component status signals. Insome embodiments, the PLC 184 monitors the intensity at certainwavelengths of the sterilizer. If the PLC 184 determines that thesterilizer has dropped below a threshold level, the PLC 184 may send asignal to shut the entire system down. In some embodiments the PLC 184monitors one or more of the various sensors and if the PLC 184determines that one or more sensors are not meeting a threshold, or haveexceeded a threshold, the PLC 184 may send a signal to turn the systemdown.

5. Performance Data 5.1 Convenience Store Example

FIGS. 23A-23C are graphic depictions of how the vending apparatus 113storage water may become depleted when water is dispensed or purchasedin a convenience store environment. Once water is dispensed/depleted thepurification system 100 within the device must replenish the waterdispensed by the tanks 164, 138 throughout the day. FIGS. 23A-23C alsoshow the amount of time the device 113 is run during an average day at aconvenience store, also shown is the hourly production rate, the volumeof product water stored throughout the day and the number of jugs sold.As the more jugs are sold the stored volume may decrease and the hourlyproduct may increase to compensate for the depleted stored water. Shownwithin FIGS. 23A-23C are the importance of having an onsite distiller100 within the apparatus 113 and how to accommodate water sales with theonsite distiller 100.

Shown in FIG. 23A is an example of an average sized convenience storehaving a storage volume of 340 liters having a heavy demand for waterthroughout the open hours of the day. The full storage volume may bedetermined by a study performed in the area on the average amount ofwater purchased and then comparing that with the production rate, e.g.,approximately 30 liters an hour. Based on those calculations, thisexample shows the full storage volume necessary to meet the need of theconsumers who may purchase water from this establishment as well as headroom calculated to accommodate additional consumers on various days.FIG. 23A shows the stored volume decreasing as jugs of water arepurchased and the low stored volume reached during the high point of theday for purchasing water. Towards the end of the high point of sales inthe day, the stored water volume is at its lowest point but does notreach 0 liters. Once the store closes FIG. 23A shows the stored waterincrease as production remains on. Also shown in FIG. 23A is the hourlyproduction of the vending apparatus. Once the full storage capacity isreached, the hourly production ceases until water is sold. Waterproduction begins again to compensate for the sold water and to continueto fill the storage tanks until it reaches a full storage point again.

Referring now to FIG. 23B in this example, the vending apparatusincludes a storage volume of 340 liters and experiences average or“typical” demand for water. As shown in this chart, hourly production isat a minimum throughout the day and night as minimal water was depletedfrom the storage tanks and therefore minimal production is necessary tocompensate for the depletion.

Referring now to FIG. 23C, this example is an average sized conveniencestore with the same demand as shown in FIG. 23B, only in this example,the vending apparatus includes a reduced storage volume. FIG. 23C showsstorage tanks may be resized to meet the demand of the convenience storeon a typical day rather than accommodate a heavy demand on a day inwhich there may not be a heavy demand. Here it is shown to have minimalstorage left at the end of the rush period for purchasing water. Thisstorage would be appropriate for a typical day however it may not meetthe demand for a heavy day and would need to be resized to accommodatethe heavy demand days.

6. Other Embodiments 6.1 Integration of a Bottle Molding Apparatus

In other various embodiments of the vending apparatus 113 having a waterpurification system 100 may be configured to purify raw water,autonomously manufacture bottles, fill the recently made bottles withpurified water, and dispense bottled water upon vendee request. Forminga vessel within the vending apparatus may reduce supply chainexpenditures associated with distributing fully formed plastic bottlesto vending apparatuses. Additionally, due to the small size of a yet tobe formed bottle, a vending apparatus could increase its bottle-storingcapacity, thereby significantly increasing the maintenance interval.

FIG. 19 depicts integration of bottle molding/filling system 199 withina water vending apparatus 113. A molding apparatus 191 may perform thetask of generating a bottle capable of holding liquid only momentsbefore vending the product. The molding apparatus 191 may be comprisedof a metallic chamber, having one or more movable sections capable ofclosing and opening around the parison. This chamber may define thecavity having the desired vessel shape and size. The molding apparatus191 may accept a pre-extruded hollow tube, or parison, having apreformed threaded section at one end, from a parison storage unit 193.After the parison enters the molding apparatus 191, it may be moldedinto the shape of a hollow vessel using molding techniques commonlyknown in the art, such as stretch blow molding, injection molding, orextrusion blow molding. In some embodiments, the blow molding techniqueuses compressed air to mold the parison to the shape of the dividedchamber. Thus, FIG. 19 also depicts compressed air entering the moldingapparatus 191 from a compressed air supply 192. After the parison isfully formed into a bottle and filled with a beverage, the bottle may bedisbursed to a dispensing chamber 195. A vendee may then reach into thedispensing chamber 195 and remove the final product.

In various embodiments, still referring to FIG. 19, a bottlemolding/filling system 199 may utilize a processor 198, having memory,for controlling molding and filling operations. Such a processor 198 maybe capable of executing a set of instructions associated with monitoringand controlling variables, such as, molding apparatus pressure, moldingapparatus state, filling rate, current number of parison performs in theparison storage unit 193, or other molding/filling variables. Theprocessor may also perform calculations based on system variables. ThePLC 184 may be communicably coupled to the processor 198 forstatus/error reporting. In some embodiments, the processor may beintegrated or part of the PLC 184 or the purification controller 165 orboth.

In various embodiments, still referring to FIG. 19, a water vendingapparatus 113 having a bottle molding system may be capable of bypassingthe bottle molding system components 199, and dispensing water through anozzle 114 (multipurpose interface not shown) as previously disclosed.The fluid bypass 196 may be utilized by adding additional actuatorcontrol and control panel mode instructions to the PLC 184.

In various embodiments, the molding apparatus may use a fluid tohydraulically stretch a parison to its final molded shape. In variousembodiments, purified water may be forcibly injected to a parison suchthat hydraulic pressure, pushing the inner walls of the parison againsta mold, forms the desired bottle shape. This configuration may beconsidered efficient in that fills and forms a vessel simultaneously,reducing the steps required in the vending process. This process maymeter the water as well as fill the mold.

In various embodiments, a parison may be comprised of a biodegradablematerial. This may minimize environmental impact as most current plasticvessels are non-biodegradable. A vending apparatus 113 capable ofgenerating biodegradable bottles may be advantageous in environmentswhere vendees typically consume beverages within a short period of time,such as amusement parks.

6.2 Currency Operation

In various embodiments, the vending apparatus 113 may be capable ofoperating in conjunction with currency. A currency receiving module 204,coupled to the vending apparatus 113, may be capable of detecting avariety of coins and paper money and sending signals to other vendingapparatus components, such as, the PLC 184, purification controller 165,or other electrical components. In some embodiments, upon valid input ofa predetermined value, fill request circuitry may be energized, or madeavailable for vendee use, pending utilization of a control panel 146 toperform a request. Thereafter, fill request circuitry may no longer bepowered. A currency receiving module 204 may transfer received currencyinto a secured storage area, accessible to vending apparatus personnel.In some embodiments of the currency receiving module 204, there may besensors and modules to use various moneyless systems such as but notlimited to, credit or debit cards, and an RFID tag-reading system with apin.

6.4 Remote Purification

It may be advantageous to have a remotely-supplied purified waterdispensing apparatus where vandalism or theft is prevalent, or wherespace is limited. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the dispensingand purification portions 139, 140 of the vending apparatus 113 may becoupled as previously described, yet reside in different locations. Invarious embodiments, a dispensing portion 139 may be supplied withproduct water from a remote purification portion 140, residing in asecured area, via an extended conduit coupling the primary tank 164 tothe output of the purification system 100. Electrical signals, such asstatus, request, stop, and data logging may also be transferred viaextended wiring. A pump (i.e. greater head pressure) may be utilized totransfer product water from purification system 100 to primary tank 164.

In various embodiments, electrical signals may be transferred wirelesslyto minimize wiring. A wireless configuration may require one or morewireless transceivers coupled to one or more remote portions of thevending apparatus 113. Wireless components may be communicably coupledto the PLC 184 and purification controller 165.

6.5 Scalability

The size and shape of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in thisdocument are not considered fixed. Thus, a water vending apparatus 113may contain all the previously mentioned functionality and haveradically different dimensions. Typically, vending machines, as commonlyknown in the art, are large and cumbersome. Scalability may beadvantageous in locations having a need for high-quality, on demandwater, without wanting a large and visually unappealing apparatus.

In various embodiments, the purification system components may bemodified and arranged to fit within a much smaller area of space. Theexemplary purification system 100 (Water Vapor Distillation apparatus),as described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2009/0025399 A1published on Jan. 29, 2009 and entitled “Water Vapor DistillationApparatus, System and Method,” the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein, has component dimensions such that a10 gal/hr production rate is obtained. Various components within thepurification system 100 may be scaled down to meet a lesser demand, orlesser desired flow rate, also enabling a water vending apparatus 113 tooperate in a much smaller package. Scaling down the purification system100 may yield a slower rate of production; however, benefits of a slowerrate may be realized in different applications. In some embodiments,referring to FIG. 17, a water vending apparatus 113 may take the form ofa drinking fountain or office water cooler, where a slow production rateadequately accommodates needs of vendees.

Similarly, dispensing components may also be scaled down. Considering awater vending apparatus 113 having a small scale purification system100, an easily modifiable aspect of dispensing components may be tanksize. Primary and secondary tanks 164, 138, respectively, may be reducedin size to account for a lower production volume. In some embodiments,the secondary tank where a 5 gallon vessel may be filled may not bescaled down due to the need to have 5 gallons in the secondary tank inorder to fill 5 gallon vessels. In embodiments where 5 gallon tanks maynot be filled the secondary tank may be scaled down significantly. Usingthe drinking fountain embodiment exemplified in FIG. 17, a small scalepurification system 100 may be fully disposed within the so-calleddispensing portion 139 of a water vending apparatus 113. The vendingapparatus 113 may also have reduced tank size, or a lesser number ofstorage tanks. This configuration may practically reduce the footprintand overall volume of the water vending apparatus by ½.

In other various embodiments, the water vending apparatus components maybe scaled up to be incorporated in high demand commercial applications.In some of these embodiments, the purification system may be larger topurify more water than the current embodiment, also the storage tanksmay be scaled up appropriately to accommodate the amount of productwater produced. In certain other embodiments, a scaled up water vendingapparatus 113 may comprise one or more purification systems 100,servicing one or more filling stations 116.

6.6 Water/Beverage Additives and Indicators

In various embodiments of the present system, additives may be mixedinto purified water to enhance the product. A broad range of additivesare contemplated which may include, but are not limited to, one or moreof the following, one or more nutraceuticals, caffeine, syrup, tea,liquid/powder flavoring, medicine, alcohol, minerals, vitamins and/orcarbonation. In some embodiments, a flavored beverage may be created bymixing in syrup and/or flavoring, whereas a medicinal beverage may becreated by mixing in one or more minerals and/or chemicals to achieve adesired result. In some embodiments, hybrid beverage functionality, suchas, but not limited to, the ability to mix flavoring with caffeine andmedicine may be an attractive selling point for vendees. Combinations offlavoring and medicine may also be beneficial in masking undesirabletaste typically associated with medicine.

Neutraceuticals or flavorings may be added to the purified water usingpumps. These pumps may include any type of pump including, in someembodiments, those pumps shown in FIGS. 139-140 and in some embodiments,may include one or more pumps or pumping systems as discussed or similarto those discussed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2009/0159612published on Jun. 25, 2009 and entitled “Product Dispensing System”, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Otherexamples of pumps, pump assemblies, pumping systems and/or variouspumping techniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,161; 4,826,482;4,976,162; 5,088,515; and 5,350,357, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In someembodiments, the pump assembly may be a membrane pump as shown in FIGS.139-140. In some embodiments, the pump assembly may be any of the pumpassemblies and may use any of the pump techniques described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,421,823 the contents of which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

The above-cited references describe non-limiting examples ofpneumatically actuated membrane-based pumps that may be used to pumpfluids. A pump assembly based on a pneumatically actuated membrane maybe advantageous, for one or more reasons, including but not limited to,ability to deliver quantities, for example, microliter quantities offluids of various compositions, which include, but are not limited to,concentrated fluids and/or fluids which include recently reconstitutedpowders, reliably and precisely over a large number of duty cycles;and/or because the pneumatically actuated pump may require lesselectrical power because it may use pneumatic power, for example, from acarbon dioxide source. Additionally, a membrane-based pump may notrequire a dynamic seal, in which the surface moves with respect to theseal. Vibratory pumps such as those manufactured by ULKA generallyrequire the use of dynamic elastomeric seals, which may fail over timefor example, after exposure to certain types of fluids and/or wear. Insome embodiments, pneumatically-actuated membrane-based pumps may bemore reliable, cost effective and easier to calibrate than other pumps.They may also produce less noise, generate less heat and consume lesspower than other pumps. A non-limiting example of a membrane-based pumpis shown in FIG. 67.

The various embodiments of the membrane-based pump assembly 2900, shownin FIGS. 67-68, includes a cavity, which in FIG. 67 is 29420, may alsobe referred to as a pumping chamber, and in FIG. 68 is 29440, which mayalso be referred to as a control fluid chamber. The cavity includes adiaphragm 29400 which separates the cavity into the two chambers, thepumping chamber 29420 and the volume chamber 29440.

Referring now to FIG. 67, a diagrammatic depiction of an exemplarymembrane-based pump assembly 29000 is shown. In this embodiment, themembrane-based pump assembly 29000 includes membrane or diaphragm 29400,pumping chamber 29420, control fluid chamber 29440 (best seen in FIG.68), a three-port switching valve 29100 and check valves 29200 and29300. In some embodiments, the volume of pumping chamber 29420 may bein the range of approximately 20 microliters to approximately 500microliters. In an exemplary embodiment, the volume of pumping chamber29420 may be in the range of approximately 30 microliters toapproximately 250 microliters. In other exemplary embodiments, thevolume of pumping chamber 29420 may be in the range of approximately 40microliters to approximately 100 microliters.

Switching valve 29100 may be operated to place pump control channel29580 either in fluid communication with switching valve fluid channel29540, or switching valve fluid channel 29560. In a non-limitingembodiment, switching valve 29100 may be an electromagnetically operatedsolenoid valve, operating on electrical signal inputs via control lines29120. In other non-limiting embodiments, switching valve 29100 may be apneumatic or hydraulic membrane-based valve, operating on pneumatic orhydraulic signal inputs. In yet other embodiments, switching valve 29100may be a fluidically, pneumatically, mechanically or electromagneticallyactuated piston within a cylinder. More generally, any other type ofvalve may be contemplated for use in pump assembly 29000, withpreference that the valve is capable of switching fluid communicationwith pump control channel 29580 between switching valve fluid channel29540 and switching valve fluid channel 29560.

In some embodiments, switching valve fluid channel 29540 is ported to asource of positive fluid pressure (which may be pneumatic or hydraulic).The amount of fluid pressure required may depend on one or more factors,including, but not limited to, the tensile strength and elasticity ofdiaphragm 29400, the density and/or viscosity of the fluid being pumped,the degree of solubility of dissolved solids in the fluid, and/or thelength and size of the fluid channels and ports within pump assembly29000. In various embodiments, the fluid pressure source may be in therange of approximately 15 psi to approximately 250 psi. In an exemplaryembodiment, the fluid pressure source may be in the range ofapproximately 60 psi to approximately 100 psi. In another exemplaryembodiment, the fluid pressure source may be in the range ofapproximately 70 psi to approximately 80 psi. Some embodiments of thedispensing system may produce carbonated beverages and thus, may use, asan ingredient, carbonated water. In these embodiments, the gas pressureof CO2 used to generate carbonated beverages is often approximately 75psi, the same source of gas pressure may also be regulated lower andused in some embodiments to drive a membrane-based pump for pumpingsmall quantities of fluids in a water vending apparatus.

In response to the appropriate signal provided via control lines 29120,valve 29100 may place switching valve fluid channel 29540 into fluidcommunication with pump control channel 29580. Positive fluid pressuremay thus be transmitted to diaphragm 29400, which in turn may forcefluid in pumping chamber 29420 out through pump outlet channel 29500.Check valve 29300 ensures that the pumped fluid is prevented fromflowing out of pumping chamber 29420 through inlet channel 29520.

Switching valve 29100 via control lines 29120 may place the pump controlchannel 29580 into fluid communication with switching valve fluidchannel 29560, which may cause the diaphragm 29400 to reach the wall ofthe pumping chamber 29420 (as shown in FIG. 67). In an embodiment,switching valve fluid channel 29560 may be ported to a vacuum source,which when placed in fluid communication with pump control channel29580, may cause diaphragm 29400 to retract, reducing the volume of pumpcontrol chamber 29440, and increasing the volume of pumping chamber29420. Retraction of diaphragm 29400 causes fluid to be pulled intopumping chamber 29420 via pump inlet channel 29520. Check valve 29200prevents reverse flow of pumped fluid back into pumping chamber 29420via outlet channel 29500.

In some embodiments, diaphragm 29400 may be constructed of semi-rigidspring-like material, imparting on the diaphragm a tendency to maintaina curved or spheroidal shape, and acting as a cup-shaped diaphragm typespring. In some embodiments, diaphragm 29400 may be constructed orstamped at least partially from a thin sheet of metal, the metal thatmay be used includes but is not limited to high carbon spring steel,nickel-silver, high-nickel alloys, stainless steel, titanium alloys,beryllium copper, and the like. Pump assembly 29000 may be constructedso that the convex surface of diaphragm 29400 faces the pump controlchamber 29440 and/or the pump control channel 29580. Thus, diaphragm29400 may have a natural tendency to retract after it is pressed againstthe surface of pumping chamber 29420. In this circumstance, switchingvalve fluid channel 29560 may be ported to ambient (atmospheric)pressure, allowing diaphragm 29400 to automatically retract and drawfluid into pumping chamber 29420 via pump inlet channel 29520. In someembodiments the concave portion of the spring-like diaphragm defines avolume equal to, or substantially/approximately equal to the volume offluid to be delivered with each pump stroke. This has the advantage ofeliminating the need for constructing a pumping chamber having a definedvolume, the exact dimensions of which may be difficult and/or expensiveto manufacture within acceptable tolerances. In this embodiment, thepump control chamber is shaped to accommodate the convex side of thediaphragm at rest, and the geometry of the opposing surface may be anygeometry, i.e., may not be relevant to performance.

In some embodiments, the volume delivered by a membrane pump may beperformed in an ‘open-loop’ manner, without the provision of a mechanismto sense and verify the delivery of an expected volume of fluid witheach stroke of the pump. In some embodiments, the volume of fluid pumpedthrough the pump chamber during a stroke of the membrane may be measuredusing a Fluid Management System (“FMS”) technique, described in greaterdetail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,161; 4,826,482; 4,976,162; 5,088,515; and5,350,357, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties. Briefly, FMS measurement is used to detect the volumeof fluid delivered with each stroke of the membrane-based pump. A smallfixed reference air chamber is located outside of the pump assembly, orexample in a pneumatic manifold (not shown). A valve isolates thereference chamber and a second pressure sensor. The stroke volume of thepump may be precisely computed by charging the reference chamber withair, measuring the pressure, and then opening the valve to the pumpingchamber. The volume of air on the chamber side may be computed based onthe fixed volume of the reference chamber and the change in pressurewhen the reference chamber was connected to the pump chamber.

In some embodiments, as discussed above, flavorings and/ornutraceuticals may be added to the purified water before or at the timeof dispense using one or the pumps discussed above, or, in otherembodiments, another pump or method. In some embodiments, thenutraceutical and/or flavoring may be contained in a disposable “blisterpack” or other type of packaging, that, in some embodiments, may besized according to a specific dispense volume, e.g., for a dispense of 1gallon or a dispense of 8 ounces. In these embodiments, thenutraceutical and/flavoring may be dispensed and then the packagingdisposed. In other embodiments, some nutraceuticals and/or flavoringsmay be stored in a larger volume and dispensed in a selected orrecommended volume related to dose, e.g., 1 milliliter per liter or 1gram per 5 liters, etc. In some embodiments, the water dispensingapparatus may include a user interface, e.g., a screen or other userinterface, including but not limited to a touch screen and/or one ormore buttons, for selecting the at least one flavoring and/ornutraceutical to add to the water being dispensed. In some embodiments,the user interface may include a menu requesting information from theuser, e.g., height, weight, gender and to identify any medicalcondition, e.g., dehydration, pregnancy, etc. The water dispensingapparatus may recommend a customized nutraceutical and or flavoring forthe water being dispensed based on one or more of the user's enteredinformation. In some embodiments, the water dispensing apparatus may belinked to a computing system which would allow a user to save theirprofile or preferences and access these at the water vending apparatus.These profiles and preferences may include any information regarding andincluding, but not limited to, user profile (e.g., height, weight,gender, medical condition, etc.), flavoring preferences, vitaminpreferences and/or carbonation preferences, amongst others.

The water vending apparatus is well-suited to provide, in someembodiments, water containing therapeutic compounds tailored to theparticular needs of individuals. For example, the apparatus may beequipped to generate an oral rehydration solution (“ORS”) similar tothat recommended by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) for personswho have become dehydrated. The dehydration may be from any cause; theORS may be modified to treat adults or children with gastrointestinalillness, for example. The water vending apparatus permits the productionof several possible solutions, depending upon the particulardeficiencies that an individual may have. In one example, the watervending apparatus may produce one of two frequently used solutions—astandard WHO ORS having a total osmolarity of approximately 311 mmol/L,or a reduced-osmolarity WHO ORS having a total osmolarity ofapproximately 245 mmol/L. For example, if a reduced-osmolarity ORS isdesired, the water vending apparatus may add sufficient concentrates tothe water to produce a solution comprising sodium chloride 2.6 g/L (75mmol/L), glucose 13.5 g/L (75 mmol/L), potassium chloride 1.5 g/L (20mmol/L), and trisodium citrate 2.9 g/L (10 mmol/L). Optionally, a zincsulfate concentrate may be added to the solution if a diarrheal illnessis being treated, in order to reduce the duration and severity of thesymptoms. The water vending apparatus may allow for adjustment of theconcentration of zinc sulfate at 10 mg per 5 ml, or up to 20 mg per 5ml, for example, as the case may require, and depending upon whether thesolution is targeted for an adult or child.

The water vending apparatus may also be adapted to provide vitamin ormineral supplementation to certain groups at particular risk for certaindietary deficiencies. For example, it is known that folic acidsupplementation in women of child-bearing potential may reduce theincidence of spina bifida (a congenital spinal cord disorder) in theirnewborns, particularly if supplementation is provided before conception.Knowing how much water she is likely to drink in a day would allow auser to select an amount of folate concentrate to be added to the waterdispensed to achieve, for example, an oral intake of about 400 mcgfolate per day. Other vitamins that may be added to the water, dependingon individual dietary circumstances, including, but not limited to,thiamine to prevent beriberi, riboflavin to prevent ariboflavinosis,niacin to prevent pellagra, vitamin B12 to prevent anemia, and vitamin Cto prevent scurvy. Ingestion of certain antibiotics such as isoniazidmay contribute to Vitamin B6 deficiency, resulting in neurological anddermatological symptoms and anemia. Persons under treatment fortuberculosis may optionally add Vitamin B6 concentrate to their water.

The water vending apparatus may also be equipped to dispense a specifiedconcentration of fluoride or chloride in the drinking water. The formerwould provide protection against dental decay, and the latter would beuseful if the water being dispensed is intended to be stored for aperiod of time in the home before consumption.

To facilitate a water vending apparatus 113 capable of mixing additivesinto purified water, in addition to those described above, in someembodiments, one or more components may be integrated into the exemplaryembodiment as shown in simplified flow diagram FIG. 16. In variousembodiments, the PLC 184 may be communicably coupled to a modified oradditional control panel 146 capable of receiving a specific combinationof additives. A mixing chamber 185 may be integrated within thedispensing portion 139, such that, after an additive request, and/orvalid additive request, is input to the control panel 146, apredetermined volume of water is disbursed to the mixing chamber 185from the secondary tank 138 along with the desired additive from atleast one flavoring storage compartment 187. In embodiments where amedicinal additive is requested, it may also be disbursed to the mixingchamber 185 from at least one medicinal storage compartment 188. Atleast one additive storage compartment 189 may be located within thevending apparatus 113 to facilitate periodic refilling or flavorswapping. Additive storage compartments 189 may also incorporate a meansof verifying that the correct flavoring is aligned in the correctlocation and with the proper conduit, such as but not limited to, anRFID tag-reading system, or specially shaped compartments. The actuatorblock, labeled generally as 180 in FIG. 16, may be comprised of one ormore actuators capable of controlling the flow of one or more fluidconduits. The mixing chamber 185 may mechanically stir the additive(s)into the product water, sending a signal to the PLC 184 when thebeverage is fully mixed. After mixing is complete the enhanced beveragemay be dispensed to a vessel 121 a-c as previously disclosed.Alternatively, when no additives are requested, the mixing chamber 185may be bypassed as shown by fluid flow arrow 190.

The PLC 184 may also contain additional logic to facilitate a rinsingoperation after a completed additive dispensing operation. Rinsing maybe advantageous where one or more common conduits are utilized todispense fluid containing additives in one operation, and unmodifiedproduct water in another operation, as some additive residue may remainwithin the conduit. A rinse operation may include flushing unmodifiedproduct water through the one or more common conduits, the mixingchamber, and back into the purification system input.

In various embodiments, now referring to a much different type ofadditive, chemical additives may be added to the product water storagetanks as a means of ensuring water purity. Certain indicator chemicalsmay be capable of changing color in response to local environmentalconditions of temperature, humidity, pressure and the presence orabsence of specific other chemicals, as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,990,199 the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference inits entirety. Such color changing properties may allow a vendee ormaintenance worker to verify product water quality. Other chemicals maybe added for similar reasons to detect biological agents.

In other embodiments, chemical additives may be periodically introducedto a tank separate from the product water storage tanks. Thisconfiguration may be capable of testing the current water quality whilekeeping the storage tanks free from extra chemicals. The color of thewater contained in such a separate tank may be visible from outside thewater vending apparatus, or sensed electronically and sent as data tocontrol circuitry, such as, the PLC. This process may includeintroducing the indicator into the separate tank upon completion of acirculation cycle, flushing both indicator and product water out of theseparate tank, and repeat process during each subsequent circulationcycle.

6.7 Additional Nozzle Embodiments

In some embodiments of the nozzle assembly (FIG. 26A-C), one or morefilling stations 116 may include a positionable nozzle. A positionablenozzle may be used for ensuring most of the product water enters thevessel 121 a-c during filling.

In various embodiments, a length of tubing or hose may be attached to anozzle 114 c of a water vending apparatus. A hose may allow vessels notcapable of fitting into a filling station to be filled, andadditionally, may provide a more convenient means of filling a vessel.Filling station nozzles may have a threaded section, capable of matingwith a corresponding threaded hose section. Alternatively, a hose mayremain permanently coupled to the vending apparatus housing and may beselected for use by way of manual switch or electronic keypad. In thelatter embodiment, the hose may remain rolled up into in a specialcompartment in the dispensing portion when not in use, and may becapable of rolling out when selected for use. Either of theseembodiments may be used when a vendee has a vehicle or cart containingseveral large vessels 121 b to fill, here the extending hose nozzle maybe brought to the vessel 121 b rather than lifting and moving severalvessels 121 b for filling. The extending hose nozzle may protect vendeesfrom unnecessary back pains from carrying the heavier vessels 121 b,such as, but not limited to, the 5 gallon vessels, from the fillingcavity 116 to their vehicle.

The hose may also incorporate a device to ensure purity. In certainembodiments, a nipple may mate with the end of the hose from whichproduct water is dispensed. A nipple may limit the number of fillingoperations that may be obtained. The nipple may be a disposablecomponent, capable of sending a signal to the vending machine to allowone or more filling operations. In this configuration, the vendee may beconfident that the new nipple has not been exposed to contaminants.

In other embodiments (FIG. 27), the nozzle 114 e may move along a trackto allow filling of both smaller vessels 121 a and larger vessels 121 bby using the proximity sensors 133, 134 to determine which sized vessel121 a, 121 b is in the filling cavity 116, moving to the designatedfilling station 116 a, 116 b and adjusting the fill limit appropriately.

In various embodiments (FIG. 28A-B), the nozzle 114 d may swivel todifferent angles to allow 5 gallon vessels 121 d that do not have acentered opening to be filled within the filling station 116 a. In someof these embodiments, there may be a proximity sensor to confirm thenozzle has moved to the correct angle to maximize filling of the vessel121 d.

In still further embodiments (FIG. 26A-B), the nozzle 114 a, 114 b mayinclude an expanded orifice that may narrow towards the valve 159 so thenozzle 114 a, 114 b itself may position the vessel 121 b into a positionto maximize the filling operation. In some embodiments the nozzle 114 amay contain an orifice fully covered within the nozzle while in otherembodiments the nozzle 114 b orifice may be comprised of at least twoprongs that may encircle the vessel 121 b and position the vessel 121 busing the prongs. In some embodiments of these embodiments, the expandedorifice nozzles 114 a, 114 b may lower towards the vessel 121 b toassist with positioning the vessel 121 b accordingly.

6.8 Water Scale Indicator

In various embodiments, a water vending apparatus 113 may incorporate atleast one sensor to indicate the present state of scale andsedimentation within the system 100. Water scale is a precipitatedeposited on surfaces in contact with hard water. Carbonates andbicarbonates of calcium and magnesium are especially likely to causescale buildup. If ignored, scale deposits may interfere with operationof the purification system 100 and create significant efficiency loss.Thus, a sensor may be beneficial.

In certain embodiments, a scale sensor may be visual indicator, such as,a glass bottle external to the purification system 100 and fluidlycoupled to an area prone to scale. Other methods for preventing scalemay include using: ion-exchange, phosphates, permanent magnets,electronic conditioning, and inhibitors. When buildup is acknowledgedvia the glass bottle (or other sensor), action may be taken to manuallyremove the scale from the affected surfaces.

6.9 Disposable Bottle Liners

In various embodiments, the vending apparatus may provide bottle linersto maintain the purity of the dispensed distilled water. There areinstances where a vessel may become contaminated with or without thevendee's knowledge and bottle liners may prevent bottle contaminationfrom reaching the dispensed water.

In some embodiments the bottle liner may be contained within a vesselcap. In these embodiments the cap may have a removable lining that maybe opened into the vessel to assure the dispensed water is entering asterile environment. In other embodiments the bottle lining may be of anelastic material that may adhere to the mouth of the vessel and as thevessel is filled the lining will expand to fit the shape of the vessel.

In some embodiments, the bottle liner is dispensed into the vessel priorto the water dispensing. Thus, the vending apparatus dispenses a liner,then dispenses the water.

In some embodiments to vent air, the vessel may be a mesh or latticerather than whole solid shape to vent air as the bottle liner is filledwithin the vessel. In other embodiments the vessel may contain a simplehole or multiple holes to vent the air within the bottle and allowfilling of the lining within the vessel. In various embodiments of thevending apparatus, the bottle lining may be automated to include avacuum to remove air within the vessel prior or during filling of theliner to allow full filling of the vessel.

6.10 Water Purification Appliance

In some embodiments, the various embodiments of the water vapordistillation system described herein may be used as a home, office,boat, and/or remote cabin water purification appliance. Thereembodiments may include a “scaled down” embodiment of the water vapordistillation apparatus as described herein where various features, andor the capacity, may be reduced to meet at specific need.

Referring now to FIG. 69, one embodiment of a water purificationappliance 27000 is shown. This apparatus 27000 includes a water vapordistillation apparatus within a housing sized appropriately for, but notlimited to, a residence/home or office kitchen, a boat, or other. Withrespect to embodiments in a residence/home, the daily or hourly watervolume requirements for a residence or home are often much less than aconvenience store or community water supply, as discussed elsewhereherein. Thus, the water vapor distillation apparatus may be “scaleddown” to meet the need of the home, for example, while being sizedappropriately to be conveniently located within a kitchen, under acounter, for example (see FIG. 70). In other embodiments, a water vapordistillation system may be larger and stored in a basement or garage,for example. In the various home appliance embodiments, the purifiedwater may be fed into a faucet and/or refrigerator. In some embodiments,the appliance may include a e.g., a 1 gallon pressurized bladder tank.This water appliance may be desirable for it provides on-demand purifiedwater conveniently through a faucet or refrigerator. This may be desiredfor those households currently either purchasing water at a remotelocation, having water delivered to their home, or have an internalfiltering system. For households that may have a well, as well water isnot regulated, the well may not provide safe drinking water. Thus, awater purification appliance may be a solution. Additionally, for homesin remote areas, the water purification appliance may provide additionalconvenience.

In some embodiments, a scaled down water purification appliance may beused on a personal boat or yacht. This may be a desirable alternative toa reverse osmosis system for many reasons, including but not limited to,the low maintenance required and the absence of a membrane (which may beclogged). Additionally, reverse osmosis systems may only be used in openwaters due to the petroleum, bleach and other dangerous chemicalsgenerally present at port. A water purification appliance may thereforeprovide a safer and more reliable alternative to a reverse osmosissystem on a boat or yacht.

7. Purification 7.1 Water Vapor Distillation

In the exemplary embodiment, the purification system 100 is a WaterVapor Distillation apparatus (see FIG. 31) as described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. US 2009/0025399 A1 published on Jan. 29, 2009 andentitled “Water Vapor Distillation Apparatus, System and Method,” thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Thepurification system 100 is also referred to as a fluid vapordistillation apparatus or a water vapor distillation apparatus. Thepurification system is an apparatus for distilling unclean water knownas source water into cleaner water known as product water. The apparatuscleanses the source water by evaporating the water to separate theparticulate from the source water. The purification system 100 isregarded as the exemplary purification means because it is moreefficient, requires fewer user inputs and is more reliable than otherdevices known in the art. In some embodiments, the purification systemdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2005/0016828 publishedon Jan. 27, 2005 and entitled “Pressurized Vapor Cycle LiquidDistillation”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein, may be used.

Generally considering the exemplary method of purification, raw waterentering the vending apparatus 113 through the input conduit 122 mayfirst pass through a counter flow tube-in-tube heat exchanger 102 tofilter and increase the temperature of the water. Increasing thetemperature of the source water reduces the amount of thermal energyrequired to evaporate the water within the evaporator/condenser 104. Thesource water may receive thermal energy from the other fluid streamspresent in the heat exchanger 102. Typically, these other streams have ahigher temperature than the source water motivating thermal energy toflow from the higher temperature streams to the lower temperature sourcewater.

Receiving the heated source water is the evaporator area of theevaporator/condenser assembly 104. This assembly evaporates the sourcewater to separate the contaminants from the water. Thermal energy may besupplied using a heating element and high-pressure steam. Typically, theheating element will be used during initial start-up, thus under normaloperating conditions the thermal energy will be provided by thehigh-pressure steam. The source water fills the inner tubes of theevaporator area of the evaporator/condenser. When the high-pressuresteam condenses on the outer surfaces of these tubes thermal energy isconducted to the source water. This thermal energy causes some of thesource water to evaporate into low-pressure steam. After the sourcewater transforms into a low-pressure steam, the steam may exit theoutlet of the tubes and pass through a separator. The separator removesany remaining water droplets within the steam ensuring that thelow-pressure steam is dry before entering the compressor.

Upon exiting the evaporator area of the evaporator/condenser thelow-pressure steam enters a compressor. The compressor createshigh-pressure steam by compressing the low-pressure steam. As the steamis compressed the temperature of the steam increases with the steam atan elevated temperature and pressure the steam exits the compressor.

The high-pressure steam enters the condenser area of theevaporator/condenser. As the steam fills the internal cavity the steamcondenses on the tubes contained within the cavity. The high-pressuresteam transfers thermal energy to the source water within the tubes.This heat transfer causes the steam to condense upon the outer surfaceof the tubes creating product water. The product water is collected inthe base of the condenser area of the evaporator/condenser. The productwater leaves the evaporator area of the evaporator/condenser and entersthe level sensor housing.

The level sensor housing contains level sensors for determining theamount of product and blowdown water within the apparatus. These sensorsallow an operator to adjust the amount of product water being producedor the amount of incoming source water depending on the water levelswithin the apparatus.

The level sensor assembly 108 may be the gateway for product water toenter the dispensing portion 139, also housed in the vending apparatus113. Waste water (also referred to as “blowdown”) created throughout thepurification process may be evacuated from the vending apparatus 113 byway of conduit exclusively reserved for handling waste water. Using thiscycle, the purification system 100 is capable of a 95% municipal waterrecovery rate, however the exemplary embodiment is modified to a 75%municipal water recovery rate and yields a 10 gal/hr flow rate. In othervarious embodiments the flow rate may increase to 12 gal/hr or may beslowed to below 10 gal/hr. However, various components of the system maybe modified or scaled in size to produce a desired flow rate.

Referring to FIG. 15, regarding filtration, upon entering the vendingapparatus 113, raw water may pass through a series of filters 183 toremove large particulate. This step may help maintain the purificationsystem 100 by reducing wear and clogging associated with internalfiltration of large particulate. In the exemplary embodiments, thefilter 183 is a particle filter (5-50 micron size in the exemplaryembodiment). In the exemplary embodiment, an Omnipure “Dirt & SandReduction” filter, model number CL10PF5 is used. The product water mayflow through two carbon filters 183, arranged in series, before exitingthe purification system 100, although, any number of filters could beused. Although the exemplary embodiment utilizes filters 183, otherembodiments may not utilize filters. The type of carbon filters used maybe any type known in the art, in the exemplary embodiment, Omnipure“Taste & Odor Reduction” units are used, model number CL10RO T/33. Inthe exemplary embodiment, in general, the particle filter 183 may bechanged, depending on use and source water conditions, each year at amaximum flow rate of 0.5 GPM. The carbon filters may be changed after1500 gallons, or 1 year, whichever is met earliest.

Filtration components may reside in an easily accessible location, suchas a drawer 182. Filter location is important because filters 183 mayneed to be changed periodically according to filter specifications. Asdepicted in FIG. 15, carbon filters 183 are mounted in a drawer 182,built into the base 154, beneath the purification portion 140. Thisdrawer 182 may be slid open (as shown in the exemplary FIG. 15) orremoved such that the filters 183 may be accessed and replaced. In afully closed position, the drawer 182 may be flush with vendingapparatus housing, thus hidden from view and protected from theelements.

Referring to FIG. 1-2, arrangement of the components that form a waterpurification system 100 may be aligned in a fashion that promotesintegration into the housing of a water vending apparatus 113. In theexemplary embodiment, the water purification system 100 exists withinthe vending apparatus 113 in a vertically aligned fashion. A verticalalignment, as shown in FIG. 2, may be the exemplary method operationsince water vapor distillation involves the vertical process ofevaporation. Additionally, such alignment may minimize the footprint ofthe water purification system 100 and consequently create more spacewithin the housing for other components and features.

A frame 112 may provide support for a vertical alignment of purificationsystem components 108, 102, 104, 106, 110, and additionally provide ameans of securing the water purification system 100 within the vendingapparatus 113. The frame 112 may be centered on the base 154 and alignedadjacent to the dispensing portion 139 also residing on the base 154.For stability, the frame 112 may be fixed to the base 154 by way ofpassing industrial strength bolts through the lowermost periphery of theframe and into predrilled holes 158 located on the base 154. In othervarious embodiments the purification system 100 may be redundantly fixedto other portions of the vending apparatus 113.

Preferably, the base 154 is composed of corrosion resistant material,such as stainless steel. In various other embodiments, the base 154 maybe composed of any of a variety of materials, included but not limitedto, plastic, fiberglass or other types of metal including metalcomposites. In various embodiments, it may be desirable that the base becomposed of a material in which water does not exacerbate decay.

In the exemplary embodiment, one or more adjustable pads, or “feet”, maybe coupled to the underside of the base 154 to ensure that the vendingapparatus 113 is level. In various embodiments, one or more casters maybe coupled to the underside of the vending apparatus base to enablemobility and ease of installation.

The water vapor distillation apparatus as described herein with respectto various embodiments may further be used in conjunction with aStirling engine to form a water vapor distillation system. The powerneeded by the water vapor distillation apparatus may be provided by aStirling engine electrically connected to the water vapor distillationapparatus.

Referring to FIG. 31, one embodiment of the water vapor distillationapparatus 100 is shown. For the purposes of this description, theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the exemplaryembodiment. Other embodiments are contemplated some of which will bediscussed herein. The apparatus 100 may include a heat exchanger 102,evaporator/condenser assembly 104, regenerative blower 106, level sensorassembly 108, a bearing feed-water pump 110, and a frame 112. See alsoFIGS. 1A-E for additional views and cross sections of the water vapordistillation apparatus 100.

7.2 Insulation

In some embodiments, insulation is used to decrease the transfer of heatfrom the purification portion. Loss of heat from the purificationportion may decrease the efficiency of the purification system as wellas transfer of heat to the dispensing portion may increase thetemperature of the product water. Also, depending on the location of thesystem, outside the system may be extreme temperatures, thereforedecreasing the efficiency of the purification system. Thus, in someembodiments, insulation is used to increase or maintain efficiency.

Referring now to FIG. 10a , the purification system 100 may becompletely encased in at least one layer of insulation 155. However, inother embodiments, the purification system 100 may be at least partiallyencased in a layer of insulation and in some embodiments, insulation isnot used. This layer may inhabit the region of space between thepurification system 100 and the external housing (not shown) of thevending apparatus 113. In some embodiments, insulating means may be usedto maintain efficiency as the water vapor distillation method ofpurification generates considerable heat energy (110 degrees Celsiusduring normal operation) for the purpose of rapidly evaporating rawwater. Surrounding the purification system 100 with insulation 155 mayalso prevent dispensing portion components from overheating.

Referring now to FIG. 10b , in some embodiments, the insulation may besevered diagonally such that two rectangular prism shapes 155 a, 155 bare roughly formed. In the exemplary embodiment, the insulation isgenerally 2″ thick. The two pieces may then be fastened to one anotherby way of Velcro, rope, latching bolting and/or button straps 156 fixedto abutting edges. In the exemplary embodiment, Velcro and bolts areused to fasten the insulation together. In this configuration, oneportion of the insulation 155 a may be swung open, similar to theoperation of a door, allowing ease of access for maintenance personnel,or installation/removal procedures. In other embodiments, one portion ofinsulation may also be completely removed from the device for ease ofaccess for maintenance personnel, or installation/removal procedures. Inthese embodiments, the external vending apparatus housing may need to bemodified to accommodate such functionality. In the exemplary embodimentof this embodiment, to accommodate for the movable insulation, thehousing includes clasps that incorporated into the support structurethat forms the shell of the vending machine. These clasps engage matingfeatures on the “door” side of the insulation forming a retention pointalong one side. Additional means of mating the insulation pieces (suchas adding a plurality of fasteners to the abutting edges) may be used invarious embodiments to prevent substantial heat loss. A rubber seal maybe implemented to further insulate the purification device; the rubberseal keeps the purification portion as insulated as possible andprevents heat loss from the system. In the exemplary embodiment, a gapis allowed between the insulation and the purification system.

In various embodiments, portions of insulation 155 a, 155 b may definean internal cavity wherein the purification system 100, or variouscomponents associated with purification, may benefit from a reduction inpressure created by impact with insulation. In this configuration, itmay be beneficial to use insulation that is capable of being manipulatedor carved to accommodate purification components. In some embodiments, aflexible conduit running out of the purification portion 140 and intothe dispensing portion 139 may be occluded by the force of insulationbearing down on it. It may then be necessary to create a gap in theinsulation such that the pressure is relieved.

In various other embodiments, a single block of insulation may be fitover the top of the purification system 100 such that the entireapparatus resides within a cavity. A single block may be useful inproducing maximum heat efficiency because only one seam may existbetween the base 154 and the insulation.

7.3 Heat Exchanger

Referring now to FIGS. 32-32A, in the exemplary embodiment of the watervapor distillation apparatus, the heat exchanger may be a counter flowtube-in-tube heat exchanger assembly 2000. In this embodiment, heatexchanger assembly 2000 may include an outer tube 2020, a plurality ofinner tubes 2040 and a pair of connectors 2060 illustrated in FIG. 32A.Alternate embodiments of the heat exchanger assembly 2000 may notinclude connectors 2060.

Still referring to FIGS. 32-32A, the heat exchanger assembly 2000 maycontain several independent fluid paths. In the exemplary embodiment,the outer tube 2020 contains source water and four inner tubes 2040.Three of these inner tubes 2040 may contain product water created by theapparatus. The fourth inner tube may contain blowdown water.

Still referring to FIGS. 32-32A, the heat exchanger assembly 2000increases the temperature of the incoming source water and reduces thetemperature of the outgoing product water. As the source water contactsthe outer surface of the inner tubes 2040, thermal energy is conductedfrom the higher temperature blowdown and product water to the lowertemperature source water through the wall of the inner tubes 2040.Increasing the temperature of the source water improves the efficiencyof the water vapor distillation apparatus 100 because source waterhaving a higher temperature requires less energy to evaporate the water.Moreover, reducing the temperature of the product water prepares thewater for use by the consumer.

Still referring to FIGS. 32-32A, in the exemplary embodiment the heatexchanger 2000 is a tube-in-tube heat exchanger having an outer tube2020 having several functions. First, the outer tube 2020 protects andcontains the inner tubes 2040. The outer tube 2020 protects the innertubes 2040 from corrosion by acting as a barrier between the inner tubes2040 and the surrounding environment. In addition, the outer tube 202also improves the efficiency of the heat exchanger 2000 by preventingthe exchange of thermal energy to the surrounding environment. The outertube 2020 insulates the inner tubes 2040 reducing any heat transfer toor from the surrounding environment. Similarly, the outer tube 2020 mayresist heat transfer from the inner tubes 2040 focusing the heattransfer towards the source water and improving the efficiency of theheat exchanger 2000.

Referring now to FIGS. 32B-C, another desirable characteristic is forthe outer tubing 2020 to be sufficiently elastic to support installationof the heat exchanger 2000 within the water vapor distillation apparatus100. In some applications space for the distillation apparatus may belimited by other environmental or situational constraints. In theexemplary embodiment the heat exchanger 2000 is wrapped around theevaporator/condenser. In other embodiments, the heat exchanger may alsobe integrated into the insulated cover of the water vapor distillationapparatus to minimize heat lost or gained from the environment. In theexemplary embodiment the heat exchanger 2000 is configured in a coil asshown in FIGS. 32B-C. To achieve this configuration the inner tubes 2040are slid into the outer tube 2020 and then wound around a mandrel. Anelastic outer tube 2020 assists with positioning the ends of the heatexchanger 2000 at particular locations within the apparatus. Thus,having an elastic outer tube 2020 may facilitate in the installation ofthe heat exchanger 2000 within the water vapor distillation apparatus1000.

Now referring to FIGS. 32A and 32D, the inner tubes 2040 may provideseparate flow paths for the source, product, and blowdown water. In theexemplary embodiment, these tubes contain product and blowdown water.However, in other embodiments, the inner tubes may contain additionalfluid streams. The inner tubes 2040 separate the clean and safe productwater from the contaminated and unhealthy source and blowdown water. Inthe exemplary embodiment, there are three inner tubes 2040 for productwater and one inner tube 2040 for blowdown. The source water travelswithin the outer tube 2020 of the heat exchanger 2000. In various otherembodiments, the number of inner tubes may vary, i.e., greater number ofinner tubes may be included or a lesser number of inner tubes may beincluded.

Still referring to FIGS. 32A and 32D, the inner tubes 2040 conductthermal energy through the tube walls. Thermal energy flows from thehigh temperature product and blowdown water within the inner tubes 2040through the tube walls to the low temperature source water. Thus, theinner tubes 2040 are preferably made from a material having a highthermal conductivity, and additionally, preferably from a material thatis corrosion resistant. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner tubes2040 are manufactured from copper. The inner tubes 2040 may bemanufactured from other materials such as brass or titanium withpreference that these other materials have the properties of highthermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. For applications wherethe source and blowdown water may be highly concentrated, such as seawater, the inner tubes 2040 may be manufactured from but not limited tocopper-nickel, titanium or thermally conductive plastics.

In addition to the tubing material, the diameter and thickness of thetubing may also affect the rate of thermal energy transfer. Inner tubing2040 having a greater wall thickness may have less thermal efficiencybecause increasing the wall thickness of the tubing mat also increasethe resistance to heat transfer. In the exemplary embodiment, the innertubes 2040 have 0.25 inch outside diameter. Although a thinner wallthickness increases the rate of heat transfer, the wall thickness mustbe sufficient to be shaped or formed without distorting. Thinner walledtubing is more likely to kink, pinch or collapse during formation. Inaddition, the wall thickness of the inner tubes 2040 must be sufficientto withstand the internal pressure created by the water passing throughthe tubes.

Referring now to FIGS. 32, 32J, and 32K the heat exchanger assembly 2000may also include a connector 2060 at either end of the heat exchanger2000. In the exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 2000 has twoconnectors located at either end of the assembly. These connectors 2060along with the outer tube 2020 define an inner cavity for containing thesource water. In addition, the connectors attach to the ends of theinner tubes 2040 and provide separate fluid paths for the product andblowdown water to enter and/or exit the heat exchanger 2000. Theconnectors 2060 allow the heat exchanger assembly to be mechanicallyconnected to the evaporator/condenser and other apparatus components. Insome embodiments an extension 2070 may be included within the heatexchanger 2000 to provide an additional port to remove or supply waterto the heat exchanger 2000.

Referring now to FIG. 33, the exemplary embodiment of the counter flowtube-in-tube heat exchanger 2000 may include a fitting assembly 3000.The fitting assembly supports installation of the heat exchanger 2000within the water vapor distillation apparatus 100. In addition, thefitting assembly 3000 allows the heat exchanger 2000 to be easilydisconnected from the apparatus for maintenance. The assembly mayconsist of a first connector 3020 (Also identified as connector 2060 ofFIG. 32) and a second connector 3100 shown on FIG. 33. See also, FIGS.33A-B for cross-section views of the fitting assembly 3000.

Still referring to FIG. 33, in the exemplary embodiment of the fittingassembly 3000 is manufactured from brass. Other materials may be used tomanufacture the fitting assembly 3000 including, but are not limited tostainless steel, plastic, copper, copper nickel or titanium. Forinstallation purposes, having the fitting assembly manufactured fromsimilar material as the tubing that attaches to the assembly ispreferred. Similar materials allow for the assembly to be installedwithin the water vapor distillation apparatus using a soldering orwelding technique. The fitting assembly 3000 is preferably manufacturedfrom materials that are corrosion resistant and heat resistant (250°F.). In addition, the materials preferably allows for a fluid tightconnection when the assembly is installed. For applications where thesource and blowdown water may be highly concentrated, such as sea water,the fitting assembly 3000 may be manufactured from but not limited tocopper-nickel or titanium.

Still referring to FIG. 33, the first connector 3020 includes a firstend 3040 and a second end 3060. The first end 3040 attaches to the heatexchanger 2000 as shown in FIGS. 32-32A 102A. The connector may beattached to the heat exchanger 2000 by clamping the outer tube 2020using a hose clamp against the outer surface of the first end 3040 ofthe connector 3020. The inner tubes 2040 of the heat exchanger 2000 mayalso connect to the connector 3020 at the first end 3040. These tubesmay be soldered to the heat exchanger side of the connector 3020. Othermethods of attachment may include, but are not limited to welding, pressfitting, mechanical clamping or insert molding. See also FIGS. 3A-3B forcross-section views of fitting assembly 3000.

Now referring to FIG. 33C, in this embodiment the first end 3040 of theconnector 3020 may have five ports. Three ports may be in fluidconnection with one another as shown on FIGS. 33D-E. This configurationmay combine multiple streams of product water into one stream. Multiplestreams of product water increases the amount of heat transfer from theproduct water to the source water, because there is more product waterwithin the heat exchanger to provide thermal energy to the source water.The remaining ports are separate and provide fluid pathways for blowdownand source water illustrated in FIGS. 33E-F. Alternate embodiments maynot have any ports in fluid connection with one another.

Now referring to FIGS. 33G-H, the second connector 3100 includes a firstend 3120 and a second end 3140. The first end 3120 mates with the firstconnector 3020 as shown on FIG. 33. This end may also include anextension 3160 as shown in FIG. 33G. The extension 3160 allows for theo-ring groove to be located within the body of the first connector 3020rather than within the surface of end 3060 of the first connector 3020.In addition, this connector may have a leak path 318 on the first end3120. This path is located around the port for the product water toprevent source or blowdown water from entering the product stream.Blowdown and source water may contain contaminants that affect thequality and safety of the product water. The leak path allows theblowdown and source water to leave the fitting rather than entering theproduct stream through a drain 3200 illustrated on FIGS. 33G-I. Inaddition to the drain 3200, the exemplary embodiment may include threeindependent fluid paths within the connector 3100 illustrated on FIGS.33I-J.

7.4 Evaporator Condenser

Now referring to FIGS. 34-34B, the exemplary embodiment of theevaporator condenser (also herein referred to as an“evaporator/condenser”) assembly 4000 may consist of anevaporator/condenser chamber 4020 having a top and bottom. The chamber4020 may include a shell 4100, an upper tube sheet 4140 and a lower tubesheet 4120. Attached to the lower tube sheet 4120 is a sump assembly4040 for holding incoming source water. Similarly, attached to the uppertube sheet 4140 is an upper flange 4060. This flange connects the steamchest 4080 to the evaporator/condenser chamber 4020. Within theevaporator/condenser chamber 4020 are a plurality of rods 4160 whereeach rod is surrounded by a tube 4180 as illustrated in FIGS. 34A and34B. The tubes 4180 are in fluid connection with the sump 4040 and upperflange 4060. See also FIG. 34C illustrating another embodiment of theevaporator/condenser assembly 4200.

Still referring to FIGS. 35-35A, the source water may be heated using aheating element 5100 of the sump assembly 5000. The heat element 5100increases the temperature of the source water during initial start up ofthe water vapor distillation apparatus 100. This element providesadditional thermal energy causing the source water to change from afluid to a vapor. In the exemplary embodiment, the heat element 5100 maybe a 120 Volt/1200 Watt resistive element electric heater.

Still referring to FIGS. 35-35A, the sump assembly 5000 may include abottom housing 5040 having an angled lower surface in order to assistwith the collection of particulate. The bottom housing 5040 may have anyangle sufficient to collect the particulate in one area of the housing.In the exemplary embodiment the bottom housing 5040 has a 17 degreeangled-lower surface. In other embodiments, the bottom housing 5040 mayhave a flat bottom.

Still referring to FIGS. 35-35A, the exemplary embodiment may include adrain assembly consisting of a drain fitting 5060 and a drain pipe 5080.The drain assembly provides access to inside of the evaporator area ofthe evaporator/condenser to remove particulate buildup without having todisassemble the apparatus. The drain assembly may be located near thebottom of the sump to reduce scaling (buildup of particulates) on thetubes inside the evaporator/condenser. Scaling is prevented by allowingperiodic removal of the scale in the sump assembly 5000. Having lessparticulate in the sump assembly 5000 reduces the likelihood thatparticulate will flow into the tubes of the evaporator/condenser. In theexemplary embodiment the drain assembly is positioned to receiveparticulate from the angled-lower surface of the bottom housing 5040.The drain assembly may be made of any material that may be attached tothe bottom housing 5040 and is corrosion and heat resistant. In theexemplary embodiment, the drain fitting 5060 is a flanged sanitaryfitting manufactured from stainless steel.

Still referring to FIGS. 35-35A, attached to the drain fitting 5060 maybe a drain pipe 5080. The drain pipe 5080 provides a fluid path way forparticulate to travel from the drain fitting 5060 out of theevaporator/condenser assembly 4000. The drain pipe 5080 may bemanufactured from any material, with preference that the material iscorrosion and heat resistant and is capable of being attached to thedrain fitting 5060. In the exemplary embodiment, the drain pipe 5080 ismanufactured from stainless steel. The diameter of the drain pipe 5080is preferably sufficient to allow for removal of particulate from thesump assembly 5000. A larger diameter pipe is desirable because there isa less likelihood of the drain pipe 5080 becoming clogged withparticulate while draining the sump assembly 5000.

Now referring to FIG. 37, the exemplary embodiment of theevaporator/condenser chamber 7000 (also identified as 4020 of FIG. 34)may include a shell 7020 (also identified as 4100 of FIGS. 4A-B, a lowerflange 7040 (also identified as 5020 of FIG. 35 and 600 of FIG. 36), alower-tube sheet 7060 (also identified as 4120 of FIGS. 34A-B), aplurality of tie rods 7080, a plurality of tubes 7100 (also identifiedas 4180 of FIGS. 34A-B), an upper flange 7120 (also identified as 4060of FIG. 34) and an upper-tube sheet 7140 (also identified as 4140 ofFIGS. 34A-B). See also FIG. 37A for an assembly viewevaporator/condenser chamber 7000.

Still referring to FIG. 37, the shell 7020 defines an internal cavitywhere thermal energy is transferred from the high-pressure steam to thesource water. This heat transfer supports the phase change of the sourcewater from a fluid to a vapor. In addition, the heat transfer alsocauses the incoming steam to condense into product water. The shell 7020may be manufactured from any material that has sufficient corrosionresistant and strength characteristics. In the exemplary embodiment, theshell 7020 is manufactured from fiberglass. It is preferable that theshell has an inner diameter sufficient to contain the desired number oftubes 7100. Within the internal cavity of the shell is a plurality oftubes 7100 having surface area for transferring thermal energy from thehigh-pressure steam entering the chamber to source water within thetubes 7100.

Still referring to FIG. 37, the evaporator/condenser chamber 7000defines an inner cavity for the condensation of high-pressure steam.Within this cavity is a plurality of tubes 7100 that transfer thermalenergy from high-pressure steam to source water within the tubes as thesteam condensing upon outer surfaces of the tubes. The heat transferthrough the tube walls causes the source water to undergo a phase changethrough a process called thin film evaporation as described in U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. US 2005/0183832 A1 published on Aug. 25,2005 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Phase Change Enhancement,” thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Still referring to FIG. 37, in the tubes 7100 of theevaporator/condenser, a Taylor bubble may be developed which has anouter surface including a thin film in contact with an inner surface ofthe tubes 7100. The Taylor bubble is heated as it rises within the tubeso that fluid in the thin film transitions into vapor within the bubble.

Now referring to FIG. 37B, typically an evaporator may operate in eitherof two modes: pool boiling mode or thin film mode. In thin film boiling,a thin film of fluid is created on the inner wall of the tubesfacilitating heat transfer from the tube wall to the free surface of thefluid. The efficiency of phase change typically increases for thin filmmode as compared to pool boiling mode. FIG. 37B shows the difference inthe rate of distillate production as a function of condenser pressurefor pool boiling and thin film boiling under similar conditions for arepresentative evaporator. The bottom curve 70 corresponds to poolboiling while the middle curve 75 corresponds to thin film boiling. Aswill be noted from these two curves, thin film boiling mode offerssignificantly higher efficiency than pool boiling mode. Thin filmboiling is more difficult to maintain than pool boiling, however. Thinfilm evaporation is typically achieved using apparatus that includesvery small openings. This apparatus may easily clog, particularly whenthe source fluid contains contaminants. Additionally, in thin film modethe water level is typically held just marginally above the tops of thetubes in a vertical tube-type evaporator. For reasons such as this, theapparatus may also be sensitive to movement and positioning of theapparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 38, in the exemplary embodiment the tubes 8000(also identified as 7100 of FIG. 37A-B) have a bead 8020 near each end.The bead 8020 prevents the tubes 8000 from sliding through the aperturesin the lower tube sheet 7060 and the upper tube sheet 7140.

Referring now to FIG. 9, improved efficiency of a phase change operationmay be achieved by providing packing within the evaporator/condensertubes 9040. The introduction of such packing may allow the evaporator totake on some of the characteristics of thin film mode, due to theinteraction between the fluid, the packing and the tube 9040. Thepacking may be any material shaped such that the material preferentiallyfills the volume of a tube 9040 near the tube's longitudinal axis versusthe volume near the tube's interior wall. Such packing material servesto concentrate the vapor near the walls of the tube for efficient heatexchange. In the exemplary embodiment the packing may comprise a rod9020. Each rod 9020 may be of any cross-sectional shape including acylindrical or rectangular shape. The cross-sectional area of eachpacking rod 9020 may be any area that will fit within the cross-sectionof the tube. The cross-sectional area of each rod 9020 may vary alongthe rod's length. A given rod 9020 may extend the length of a givenevaporator tube 9040 or any subset thereof. It is preferable that therod material be hydrophobic and capable of repeated thermal cycling. Inthe exemplary embodiment the rods 9020 are manufactured from glass fiberfilled RYTON® or glass fiber filled polypropylene.

Referring now to FIG. 39A, in the exemplary embodiment, the rods 9020may have a plurality of members 9060 extending out from the center andalong the longitudinal axis of the rod 9020. These members 9060 maintainthe rod 9020 within the center of the tube 9040 to produce the mostefficient flow path for the source water. Any number of members may beused, however, it is preferential that there is a sufficient number tomaintain the rod 9020 in the center of the tube 9040.

Referring back to FIG. 37, the tubes 7100 (Also identified as 8000 ofFIG. 38 and 9040 of FIG. 39) are secured in place by the pair of tubesheets 7060 and 7140. These sheets are secured to each end of the shell7020 using the tie rods 7080. The tube sheets 7060 and 7140 have aplurality of apertures that provide a pathway for the source water toenter and exit the tubes 7100. When the tubes 7100 are installed withinthe chamber 7000, the apertures within the tube sheets 7060 and 7140receive the ends of the tubes 7100. The lower tube sheet 7060 (alsoidentified as 10020 on FIG. 40) is attached to the bottom of the shell7020. See FIG. 40 for a detail view of the lower tube sheet. The uppertube sheet 7140 (also identified as 10040 on FIG. 40A) is attached tothe top of the shell 7020. See FIG. 40A for a detail view of the uppertube sheet. Both tube sheets have similar dimensions except that theupper tube sheet 7140 has an additional aperture located in the centerof the sheet. This aperture provides an opening for the high-pressuresteam to enter the evaporator/condenser chamber 7000.

Still referring to FIG. 37, in the exemplary embodiments the upper-tubesheet 7140 and the lower-tube sheet 7060 may be manufactured fromRADEL®. This material has low creep, hydrolytic stability, thermalstability and low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, tube sheetsmanufactured from RADEL® may be formed by machining or injectionmolding. In alternate embodiments, the tube sheets may be manufacturedfrom other materials including but are not limited to G10.

Now referring to FIG. 40, in the exemplary embodiment the o-ring groovesare located at various depths in the tube sheets 10020 and 10040. Thedifferent depths of the o-ring grooves allows the tubes 7100 to bepositioned more closely together, because the o-ring grooves fromadjacent tubes do not overlap one another. Overlapping o-ring grooves donot provide a sufficient seal, thus each o-ring groove must beindependent of the other o-ring grooves within the tube sheet. As aresult of varying the location of the o-ring grooves at different depthswithin the tube sheet, adjacent o-ring grooves do not overlap oneanother allowing the tubes to be positioned closer together. Thus havingthe tubes 7100 located closer to one another allows more tubes to bepositioned within the evaporator/condenser chamber 7000.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-42C, connected to the upper flange 11000 (alsoidentified as 7120 of FIG. 37) may be a steam chest 12000 (alsoidentified as 4080 in FIG. 34). In the exemplary embodiment, the steamchest 1200 may include a base 1202, a steam separator assembly 12040, acap 12060 and a steam tube 12080. The base 12020 defines an internalcavity for receiving the low-pressure steam created within the tubes7100 of the evaporator area of the evaporator/condenser chamber 7000.The base 12020 may have any height such that there is sufficient spaceto allow water droplets contained within the vapor to be separated. Theheight of the steam chest allows the water droplets carried by the steamand forcibly ejected from outlets of the tubes 7100 from the rapidrelease of steam bubbles to decelerate and fall back towards the upperflange 7120 (also identified as 11000 on FIG. 41).

Still referring to FIGS. 42-42C, within the base 12020 may be a steamseparator assembly 12040. This assembly consists of a basket and mesh(not shown in FIGS. 42-42C). The basket contains a quantity of wiremesh. In the exemplary embodiment, the steam separator assembly 12040removes water droplets from the incoming low-pressure steam bymanipulating the steam through a layer of wire mesh. As the steam passesthrough the mesh the water droplets start to collect on the surfaces ofthe mesh. These droplets may contain contaminants or particulate. As thedroplets increase in size, the water falls onto the bottom of thebasket. A plurality of apertures may be located in the bottom of thebasket to allow water to collect within the upper flange 7120. Inaddition, these apertures provide a fluid path way for low-pressuresteam to enter the steam separator assembly 12040. In addition, the wiremesh provides a barrier from the splashing blowdown water located withinthe upper flange 7120 of the evaporator/condenser.

In the exemplary embodiment, the steam separator assembly may bemanufactured from stainless steel. Other materials may be used, however,with preference that those materials have corrosion and high temperatureresistant properties. Other types of materials may include, but are notlimited to RADEL®, titanium, copper-nickel, plated aluminum, fibercomposites, and high temperature plastics.

Still referring to FIGS. 42-42C, attached to the base 12020 is the cap12060. The cap and base define the internal cavity for separating thewater from the low-pressure steam. In addition, the cap 12060 may havetwo ports, an outlet port 12110 and inlet port 12120 shown on FIGS. 42B,42D, 42E and 42F. The outlet port provides a fluid path way for the drylow-pressure steam to exit the steam chest 12000. In the exemplaryembodiment, the outlet port 12110 is located near the top surface of thecap 1206 because the locating the port away from the outlets of thetubes 7100 of the evaporator/condenser promotes dryer steam. Inalternate embodiments, however, the outlet port 12110 may have adifferent location within the cap 12060. Similarly, the inlet port 12120provides a fluid path way for high-pressure steam to enter thehigh-pressure steam tube 12080 within the steam chest 12000. In theexemplary embodiment, the inlet port 12120 is located near the topsurface of the cap 12060. In alternate embodiments, the inlet port 12120may have a different location within the cap 12060. In the exemplaryembodiment, the cap 12060 is manufactured from plated aluminum. Othertypes of materials may include, but are not limited to stainless steel,plastics, titanium and copper-nickel. The size of these ports may affectthe pressure drop across the compressor.

Still referring to FIGS. 42-42C, connected to the inlet port 12120within the steam chest 12000 is a steam tube 12080. This tube provides afluid path way for the high-pressure steam to pass through the steamchest and enter the condenser area of the evaporator/condenser chamber.The inner diameter of the steam tube 12080 may be any size, such thatthe tube does not adversely affect the flow of high-pressure steam fromthe regenerative blower to the evaporator/condenser chamber. In theexemplary embodiment the steam tube 12080 may be manufactured fromstainless steel. Other materials may be used to manufacture the steamtube 12080, but these materials must have sufficient corrosion resistantand high temperature resistant properties. Such materials may include,but are not limited to plated aluminum, plastics, titanium andcopper-nickel. For applications where the source water may be highlyconcentrated, such as sea water, the steam chest 12000 may bemanufactured from but not limited to titanium, nickel, bronze,nickel-copper and copper-nickel.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-44C, attached to the upper flange 13120 is themist eliminator assembly 14000 (also identified as 13060 of FIG. 43).This assembly may consist of a cap 14020, steam pipe 14040, and mistseparator 14060 illustrated on FIG. 44. The cap 14020 contains thelow-pressure steam that is created from the evaporator side of theevaporator/condenser. The cap 14020 may have three ports 14080, 14100,and 14120 as shown FIGS. 44A-C. See discussion for the steam chest ofthe exemplary embodiment relating to the height of the volume forremoving the water droplets. In addition, the cap 1402 defines a cavitythat contains the mist separator 14060 shown on FIGS. 44, 44C and 44D.

Still referring to FIGS. 44-44C, the first port 14080 may be located inthe center of the top surface of the cap 14020 and is for receiving thefirst end of the steam pipe 14040. This port allows the high-pressuresteam created by the compressor to re-enter the evaporator/condenserthrough first end of the steam pipe 14040. The steam pipe 14040 providesa fluid path way for high-pressure steam to enter theevaporator/condenser through the mist eliminator assembly 14000 withoutmixing with the low-pressure steam entering the mist eliminator assembly14000. In this embodiment, the steam pipe 14040 is manufactured fromstainless steel. In other embodiments the steam pipe may be manufacturedfrom materials including, but not limited to plated aluminum, RADEL®,copper-nickel and titanium. The length of the steam pipe 14040 must besufficient to allow for connecting with the compressor and passingthrough the entire mist eliminator assembly 14000. The second end of thesteam pipe is received within a port located at the center of the upperflange 13120. The inner diameter of the steam pipe 14040 may affect thepressure drop across the compressor. Another effect on the system isthat the steam pipe 14040 reduces the effective volume within the misteliminator to remove water droplets from the low-pressure steam.

Still referring to FIGS. 44-44C, the mist eliminator assembly 14000 maybe manufactured from any material having sufficient corrosion and hightemperature resistant properties. In this embodiment, the misteliminator assembly is manufactured from stainless steel. The assemblymay be manufactured from other materials including but not limited toRADEL®, stainless steel, titanium, and copper-nickel.

7.5 Compressor

The water vapor distillation apparatus 100 may include a compressor 106.In the exemplary embodiment the compressor is a regenerative blower.Other types of compressors may be implemented, but for purposes of thisapplication a regenerative blower is depicted and is described withreference to the exemplary embodiment. The purpose of the regenerativeblower is to compress the low-pressure steam exiting the evaporator areaof the evaporator/condenser to create high-pressure steam. Increasingthe pressure of the steam raises the temperature of the steam. Thisincrease in temperature is desirable because when the high-pressuresteam condenses on the tubes of the condenser area of theevaporator/condenser the thermal energy is transferred to the incomingsource water. This heat transfer is important because the thermal energytransferred from the high-pressure steam supplies low-pressure steam tothe regenerative blower.

The change in pressure between the low-pressure steam and thehigh-pressure steam is governed by the desired output of product water.The output of the product water is related to the flow rate of thehigh-pressure steam. If the flow rate of steam for the high-pressuresteam from the compressor to the condenser area of theevaporator/condenser is greater than the ability of the condenser toreceive the steam then the steam may become superheated. Conversely, ifthe evaporator side of the evaporator/condenser produces more steam thanthe compressor is capable of compressing then the condenser side of theevaporator/condenser may not be operating at full capacity because ofthe limited flow-rate of high-pressure steam from the compressor.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-45G, the exemplary embodiment may include aregenerative blower assembly 15000 for compressing the low-pressuresteam from the evaporator area of the evaporator/condenser. Theregenerative blower assembly 15000 includes an upper housing 15020 and alower housing 15040 defining an internal cavity as illustrated in FIG.45C. See FIGS. 45D-G for detail views of the upper housing 15020 andlower housing 15040. Located in the internal cavity defined by the upperhousing 15020 and lower housing 15040 is an impeller assembly 15060. Thehousings may be manufactured from a variety of plastics including butnot limited to RYTON®, ULTEM®, or Polysulfone. Alternatively, thehousings may be manufactured from materials including but not limited totitanium, copper-nickel, and aluminum-nickel bronze. In the exemplaryembodiment the upper housing 15020 and the lower housing 15040 aremanufactured from aluminum. In alternate embodiments, other materialsmay be used with preference that those materials have the properties ofhigh-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, do not absorb waterand have sufficient structural strength. The housings preferably are ofsufficient size to accommodate the impeller assembly and the associatedinternal passageways. Furthermore, the housings preferably provideadequate clearance between the stationary housing and the rotatingimpeller to avoid sliding contact and prevent leakage from occurringbetween the two stages of the blower. In addition to the clearances, theupper housing 15020 and the lower 15040 may be mirror images of oneanother.

Still referring to FIGS. 45D-F, the distance between the inlet ports15100 and outlet ports 15120 is controlled by the size of the stripperplate 15160. In the exemplary embodiment the stripper plate area isoptimized for reducing the amount of high-pressure steam carryover intothe inlet region and maximizing the working flow channels within theupper housing 15020 and lower housing 15040.

Referring now to FIGS. 45H-K, in the exemplary embodiment the shaft15140 is supported by pressurized water fed bearings 15160 that arepressed into the impeller assembly 15060 and are supported by the shaft15140. In this embodiment, the bearings may be manufactured fromgraphite. In alternate embodiments, the bearings may be manufacturedfrom materials including but not limited to Teflon composites and bronzealloys.

Hydrodynamic lubrication is desired for the high-speed blower bearings15160 of the exemplary embodiment. In hydrodynamic operation, therotating bearing rides on a film of lubricant, and does not contact thestationary shaft. This mode of lubrication offers the lowestcoefficients of friction and wear is essentially non-existent sincethere is no physical contact of components.

Referring to FIGS. 45H-K, in a hydrodynamic bearing the limiting loadfactor may be affected by the thermal dissipation capabilities. Whencompared to an un-lubricated (or a boundary-lubricated) bearing, ahydrodynamic bearing has an additional mechanism for dissipating heat.The hydrodynamic bearing's most effective way to reject heat is to allowthe lubricating fluid to carry away thermal energy. In the exemplaryembodiment the bearing-feed water removes thermal energy from thebearings 15160. In this embodiment, the volume of water flowing throughthe bearing are preferably sufficient to maintain the bearing'stemperature within operational limits. In addition, diametricalclearances may be varied to control bearing feed-water flow rate,however, these clearances preferably are not large enough to create aloss of hydrodynamic pressure.

Referring to FIG. 45L, in the exemplary embodiment, a return path 1526for the bearing-feed water is provided within the blower to preventexcess bearing-feed water from entering the impeller buckets.

Referring back to FIGS. 45H-K, in the exemplary embodiment the bearingfeed-water pump maintains a pressure of two to five psi on the input tothe pressurized water fed bearings 15160. The bearing-feed-water flowrate may be maintained by having a constant bearing-feed-water pressure.In the exemplary embodiment, the pressure of the bearing-feed water maybe controlled to ensure the flow rate of bearing-feed water to bearings15160.

Still referring to FIGS. 45H-K, in the exemplary embodiment the impellerassembly may be driven by the motor using a magnetic drive couplingrather than a mechanical seal. The lack of mechanical seal results in nofrictional losses associated with moving parts contacting one-another.In this embodiment the magnetic drive coupling may include an innerrotor magnet 15180, a containment shell 15200, an outer magnet 15220,and drive motor 15080.

Still referring to FIGS. 45H-K, Eddy current losses may occur becausethe shell 15200 is located between the inner rotor magnet 15180 and theouter rotor magnet 15220. If the shell 15200 is electrically conductivethen the rotating magnetic field may cause electrical currents to flowthrough the shell we may cause a loss of power. Conversely, a shell15200 manufactured from a highly electrically-resistive material ispreferred to reduce the amount of Eddy current loss. In the exemplaryembodiment titanium may be used for manufacturing the magnetic couplingshell 15200. This material provides a combination of high-electricalresistivity and corrosion resistance. Corrosion resistance is preferredbecause of the likelihood of contact between the bearing-feed water andthe shell 15200. In other embodiments the shell 15200 may bemanufactured from plastic materials having a higher electricalresistivity and corrosion resistance properties. In these alternateembodiments the shell 15200 may be manufactured from material includingbut not limited to RYTON®, ULTEM®, polysulfone, and PEEK.

Still referring to FIGS. 45H-K, the outer rotor magnet 15220 may beconnected to a drive motor 15080. This motor rotates the outer rotormagnet 15220 causing the inner rotor magnet to rotate allowing theimpeller assembly 15060 to compress the low-pressure steam within thecavity defined by the upper housing 15020 and the lower housing 15040.In the exemplary embodiment the drive motor may be an electric motor. Inalternate embodiments the drive may be but is not limited to internalcombustion or Stirling engine.

Still referring to FIGS. 45H-K, the blower assembly 15000 may beconfigured as a two single-stage blower or a two-stage blower. In theoperation of a two single-stage blower the incoming low-pressure steamfrom the evaporator side of the evaporator/condenser is supplied to boththe inlet ports of the two separate stages of the blower simultaneously.The first stage may be at the bottom between the lower housing 15040 andthe impeller assembly 15060 and the second stage may be at the topbetween the upper housing 15020 and the impeller assembly 15060. As theimpeller assembly 15060 rotates, the incoming low-pressure steam fromthe inlet port 15100 of both stages is compressed simultaneously and thehigh-pressure steam exits from the outlet port 15120 of the upperhousing 15020 and the outlet port 15120 of the lower housing 15040.

Now referring to FIGS. 46-46A, within the internal cavity defined by theupper housing 15020 and lower housing 15040 is the impeller assembly16000 (also identified as 15060 of FIG. 45). The impeller assembly 16000includes a plurality of impeller blades on each side of the impeller16020 and a spindle 16040. In the exemplary embodiment the impeller16020 may be manufactured from Radel® and the impeller spindle 16040 maybe manufactured from aluminum. In alternate embodiments these parts maybe manufactured from materials including but not limited to titanium,PPS, ULTEM®. Other materials may be used to manufacture these parts withpreference that these materials have high-temperature resistantproperties and do not absorb water. In addition, impeller spindle 16040may have passages for the return of the bearing-feed water back to thesump. These passages prevent the bearing-feed water from entering theimpeller buckets.

Referring back to FIGS. 45H-K, the shaft 15140 is attached to the upperhousing 15020 and lower housing 15040 and is stationary. In theexemplary embodiment the shaft 15140 may be manufactured from titanium.In other embodiments the shaft 15140 may be manufactured from materialsincluding but not limited to aluminum oxide, silicon nitride ortitanium, and stainless steel having coatings for increasing wearresistance and corrosion resistance properties. In addition the shaft15140 may have passages channeling the bearing-feed water to thebearings 15160.

7.6 Level Sensor Assembly

Referring now to FIG. 47, the exemplary embodiment of the water vapordistillation apparatus 100 may also include a level sensor assembly19000 (also identified as 108 in FIG. 31). This assembly measures theamount of product and/or blowdown water produced by the apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 47-47A, the exemplary embodiment of the levelsensor assembly 19000 may include a settling tank 19020 and level sensorhousing 19040. The settling tank 19020 collects particulate carriedwithin the blowdown water prior to the water entering into the blowdownlevel sensor tank 19120. The tank removes particulate from the blowdownwater by reducing the velocity of the water as it flows through thetank. The settling tank 19020 defines an internal volume. The volume maybe divided nearly in half by using a fin 19050 extending from the sidewall opposite the drain port 19080 to close proximity of the drain port19080. This fin 19050 may extend from the bottom to the top of thevolume. Blowdown enters through the inlet port 19060 and must flowaround the fin 19050 before the water may exit through the level sensingport 19100. As the blowdown enters into the body of the vessel thevelocity decreases due to the increase in area. Any particles in theblowdown may fall out of suspension due to the reduction in velocity.The settling tank 19020 may be manufactured out any material havingcorrosion and heat resistant properties. In the exemplary embodiment thehousing is manufactured from RADEL®. In alternate embodiments thesettling tank 1902 may be manufactured from other materials includingbut note limited to titanium, copper-nickel and stainless steel.

Still referring to FIGS. 47-47A, the settling tank 19020 may have threeports an inlet 19060, a drain 19080 and a level sensor port 19100. Theinlet port 19060 may be located within the top surface of the settlingtank 19020 as shown on FIGS. 47A-B and may be adjacent to the separatingfin 19050 and opposite the drain port 19080. This port allows blowdownwater to enter the tank. The drain port 19080 may be located in thebottom of the settling tank 19020 as shown on FIGS. 47A-B. The drainport 19080 provides access to the reservoir to facilitate removal ofparticulate from the tank. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom ofthe tank may be sloped towards the drain as illustrated in FIG. 47B. Thelevel sensor port 19100 may be located within the top surface of thetank as illustrated in FIG. 47A and also adjacent to the separating fin19050 but on the opposite side as the inlet port 19060. This portprovides a fluid pathway to the blowdown level sensor reservoir 19120. Afourth port is not shown in FIG. 47A. This port allows blowdown water toexit the level sensor assembly 19000 and enter the heat exchanger. Thisport may be located within one of the side walls of the upper half ofthe settling tank 19020 and away from the inlet port 19060.

Still referring to FIGS. 47-47A, in the exemplary embodiment a strainermay be installed within the flow path after the blowdown water exits theblowdown level sensor reservoir 19120 and settling tank 19020. Thestrainer may collect large particulate while allowing blowdown water toflow to other apparatus components. The strainer may be manufacturedfrom material having corrosion resistant properties. In the exemplaryembodiment the strainer is manufactured from stainless steel. Inaddition, the filter element may be removable to support cleaning of theelement. The strainer removes particulate from the blowdown water tolimit the amount of particulate that enters the heat exchanger. Excessparticulate in the blowdown water may cause the inner tubes of the heatexchanger to clog with scale and sediment reducing the efficiency of theheat exchanger. In addition, particulate may produce blockage preventingthe flow of blowdown water through the heat exchanger.

Still referring to FIGS. 47-47A, the product level sensor reservoir19140 is in fluid connection with the bearing feed-water reservoir19160. An external port 19240 provides a fluid pathway for the productwater to flow between the product level sensor reservoir 19140 and thebearing feed-water reservoir 19160 shown on FIG. 47C. Product waterenters the bearing feed-water reservoir 19160 through the external port19240. In addition, the bearing feed-water reservoir 19160 has a supplyport 19260 and a return port 19280 shown on FIG. 47C. The supply port19260 provides a fluid pathway to lubricate the bearings within theregenerative blower assembly. Similarly, a return port 19280 provides afluid pathway for the product water to return from lubricating thebearings of the regenerative blower assembly. The supply and returnports may be located on the side of the level sensor housing 19040 asshown in FIG. 47C.

Still referring to FIGS. 47-47A, to monitor the amount of product waterwithin the bearing feed-water reservoir 19160 an optical level sensormay be installed. In the exemplary embodiment, the optical level sensormay be located at approximately ⅔ height in the bearing feed-waterreservoir 19160. This sensor senses water present within the reservoirindicating that there is sufficient water to lubricate the bearings. Thesensor may be installed by threading the sensor into the level sensorhousing 19040. The sensor may include an o-ring to provide a water-tightseal. In other embodiments the sensor may be but is not limited toconductance sensor, float switches, capacitance sensors, or anultrasonic sensor.

Now referring to FIGS. 48-48A, within the blowdown level sensorreservoir 19120 and the product level sensor reservoir 19140 are levelsensors 20000 (also identified as 19180 of FIGS. 47A and 47E). Thesesensors may include a base 20020, an arm 20040, and a float ball 2006.

Referring still to FIGS. 48-48A, the exemplary embodiment of the levelsensors 20000 may include a base 20020 supporting the arm 20040 and thefloat ball 20060. The assembly also includes two magnets (not shown).The base is connected to the arm and float ball assembly and theassembly pivots on a small diameter axial (not shown). In addition thebase 20020 holds two magnets. These magnets are located 180 degrees fromone another and are located on face of the base 20020 and parallel tothe pivot. In addition, there magnets may be positioned coaxially to thepivot point within the base 20020. In the exemplary embodiment themagnets may be cylinder magnets having an axial magnetization direction.

Referring still to FIGS. 48-48A, the level sensors 20000 measure therotation of the arm and ball assembly with respect to the pivot. In theexemplary embodiment, the maximum angle of displacement is 45 degrees.In this embodiment the level sensors are installed to prevent the floatball 20060 from being positioned directly below the pivot. In otherembodiments the maximum angle of displacement may be as large as 80degrees. The sensor may monitor the magnets through the wall of thehousing. This configuration allows the sensors not to be exposed tocorrosive blowdown water and to seal the level sensor housing. The basemay be manufactured from any material having corrosion resistant, heatresistant and non-magnetic properties. In the exemplary embodiment thebase 20020 is manufactured from G10 plastic. In alternate embodimentsthe base 20020 may be manufactured from other materials including butnot limited to RADEL®, titanium, copper-nickel and fiberglass laminate.

Still referring to FIGS. 48-48A, attached to the base 20020 is an arm20040. The arm 20040 connects the base 20020 with the float ball 20060.In the exemplary embodiment the arm 20040 is manufactured of G10 plasticmaterial. Other materials may be used to manufacture the arm 20040 withpreference that those materials have sufficient high temperatureresistant properties. Other materials may include, but are not limitedto stainless steel, plastic, RADEL®, titanium, and copper-nickel. Thelength of the arm is governed by the size of the level sensorreservoirs. In addition, the exemplary embodiment has a plurality ofapertures located along and perpendicular to the arm's longitudinalaxis. These apertures reduce the weight of the arm and allow the arm tobe more sensitive to level changes.

Referring now to FIGS. 49-49A, connected to the supply port 19260 of thebearing feed-water reservoir 19160 may be a bearing feed-water pump21000 (also identified as 110 on FIG. 31). The pump 21000 enables theproduct water to flow from the bearing feed-water reservoir 19160 to theregenerative blower. In the exemplary embodiment, the flow rate is 60ml/min with a pressure ranging from 2 psi to 2¼ psi. Any type of pumpmay be used with preference that the pump may supply a sufficientquantity of water to maintain the proper lubricating flow to thebearings within the regenerative blower. In addition, the pump 21000preferably is heat resistant to withstand the high temperature of thesurrounding environment and of the high-temperature product waterpassing through the pump. In the exemplary embodiment the bearingfeed-water pump 110 is a GOTEC linear positive displacement pump, modelnumber ETX-50-VIC. In alternate embodiments, other pump types such as acentrifugal pump may be used with preference that the pump is capable ofoperating in high temperatures.

7.7 Controls

The apparatus may also include a control manifold having a plurality ofcontrol valves for the different water flow paths. Typically, thismanifold may include a control valve within the inlet piping for thesource water to controls the amount of water that enters the apparatus.At excessive pressures the control valve could fail to open or once openmay fail to close thus a regulator may be included in inlet piping toregulate the pressure of the source water.

Similarly, the manifold may also include a control valve within theoutlet piping carrying blowdown water out of the apparatus. This valvemay allow the operator to control the amount of blowdown water leavingthe apparatus.

The control manifold may also include a control valve within the outletpiping for the product water. This valve may allow the operator tocontrol the amount of product water leaving the apparatus. In theexemplary embodiment, there is one control valve for each section ofoutlet piping. Similarly, the apparatus includes a vent valve to releasegaseous compounds from the evaporator/condenser. The vent valvemaintains operating conditions of the apparatus by venting off smallamounts of steam. Releasing steam prevents the apparatus fromoverheating. Similarly, releasing steam also prevents the buildup ofcompounds in the condenser space that may prevent the apparatus fromfunctioning.

Typically, the control valves may be same type. In the exemplaryembodiment, the controls are solenoid type valves Series 4BKRmanufactured from SPARTAN SCIENTIFIC, Boardman, Ohio 44513, model number9-4BKR-55723-1-002. In alternate embodiments, the controls may be butare not limited to proportional valves. The control valves areelectronically operated using an electrical input of zero to five volts.

Moreover, the apparatus may include a backpressure regulator asdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0194048 A1published on Sep. 8, 2005 and entitled “Backpressure Regulator” (nowabandoned), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

The water vapor distillation apparatus may include a voltage regulator.Typically, the apparatus may receive single-phase power provided from atraditional wall outlet. In other countries, however, the voltage maydiffer. To account for this difference in voltage, a voltage regulatormay be included in the apparatus to ensure the proper type of voltage issupplied to the electrical components of the apparatus.

In addition, a battery may be included within the system to provideelectrical energy to the apparatus. When electrical energy is suppliedfrom a battery the apparatus will preferably include an electricalinverter to change incoming electricity from direct current toalternating current. In other embodiments, the apparatus may receiveelectrical energy from a Stirling and internal combustion engine. Theseembodiments may also require an electrical inverter. In otherembodiments, the apparatus may include a boost loop to increase theamount of voltage supplied to the apparatus to power the electricalcomponents.

7.8 Method of Distilling Water

Also disclosed herein is a method of water vapor distillation includingthe steps of straining the source water, heating the source water usinga heat exchanger, transforming the source water into low-pressure steam,removing water from the source vapor to create dry low-pressure steam,compressing the dry low-pressure steam into high-pressure steam, andcondensing the high-pressure steam into product water.

Referring still to FIGS. 50-50A, in operation, source water passesthrough a strainer 22020 to remove large particulates. These largeparticulates may adversely affect the operation of the apparatus, byclogging the inlet and blowdown valves or the inner tubes of the heatexchanger. In addition, particulate may be deposited onto the tubes ofthe evaporator/condenser reducing the efficiency of the apparatus. Inthe exemplary embodiment the strainer 22020 is located before thecontrol valves. In other embodiments the strainer may be positionedbefore the inlet pump (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment thestrainer 22020 has a 50 micron user-cleaner unit. In alternateembodiments the apparatus may not include a strainer 22020. After thesource water passes through the strainer 22020, the water enters theheat exchanger 22080.

Referring now to FIG. 50B, upon entering the heat exchanger 22080, thesource water may fill the outer tube of the heat exchanger 22080. In theexemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger is a counter-flow tube-in-tubeheat exchanger. The source water enters the heat exchanger atapproximately ambient temperature. Conversely, the product and blowdownwater enter the heat exchanger having temperature greater than ambient.The source water enters the heat exchanger at one end and the productand blowdown water enter the heat exchanger at the opposite end. As thesource water flows through the heat exchanger the high thermal energy ofthe product and blowdown water is conducted outwardly from the innertubes of the heat exchanger to the source water. This increase in thetemperature of the source water enables the water to more efficientlychange into steam in the evaporator/condenser.

Referring now to FIGS. 51-51A, product water is formed whenhigh-pressure steam condenses when contacting the outer surface of thetubes within the evaporator/condenser. FIG. 51 shows the product waterfluid paths within the apparatus disclosed previously. The product wateris created in the evaporator/condenser 24020 as shown in FIG. 51A. Asthe high-pressure steam condenses against the outer surface of the tubesof the evaporator/condenser, water droplets are formed. These dropletsaccumulate in the bottom of the evaporator/condenser 24020 creatingproduct water. As the level of product water increases, the water exitsthe evaporator/condenser 24020 through a port and enters the levelsensor housing 24040, illustrated in 51A.

Referring now to FIGS. 51B-51E, the product water may enter the levelsensor housing 24040 through a port connected to the product levelsensor reservoir 24060 shown on FIG. 51B. This reservoir collectsincoming product water and measures the amount of water created by theapparatus. The water exits the product level sensor reservoir 24060 andenters the heat exchanger 24080 illustrated in FIG. 51C. While passingthrough the heat exchanger 24080, the high-temperature product watertransfers thermal energy to the low-temperature source water through theinner tubes of the heat exchanger 24080. FIG. 51D illustrates theproduct water passing through the heat exchanger 24080. After passingthrough the heat exchanger 24080, the product water exits the apparatusas illustrated in FIG. 51E. In the exemplary embodiment the apparatusmay include a product-divert valve 24100 and product valve 24120. Theproduct valve 24120 allows the operator to adjust the flow rate ofproduct water leaving the apparatus. Typically, the once the reservoiris 50 percent full, then the product valve 24120 is cycled such that theamount of water entering the reservoir is equal to the amount leavingthe reservoir. During initial start-up of the system the first severalminutes of production the product water produced is rejected as waste byopening the product-divert valve 24100. Once it has been determined thatthe product is of sufficient quality the product-divert valve 24100closes and the product valve 24120 begins operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 51F-51H, as product water fills the product levelsensor reservoir 24060, water may also enter the bearing feed-waterreservoir 24100. The bearing feed-water reservoir 24100 collectsincoming product water for lubricating the bearings within theregenerative blower 24120. Product water exits the bearing feed-watertank 24100 and may enter a pump 24140 as shown in FIG. 51G. The pump24140 moves the product water to the regenerative blower. After leavingthe pump 24140, the product water enters the regenerative blower 24120illustrated on FIG. 51H.

Referring now to FIGS. 51H-51I, upon entering the blower 24120, theproduct water provides lubrication between the bearings and the shaft ofthe blower. After exiting the regenerative blower 24120, the productwater may re-enter the level sensor housing 24040 through the bearingfeed-water reservoir 24100, see FIG. 51I.

Now referring to FIGS. 52-52C, to support the flow of the waterthroughout the apparatus vent paths may be provided. These paths supportthe flow of the water through the apparatus by removing air or steamfrom the apparatus. The vent paths are shown in FIG. 52. FIG. 52Aillustrates a vent path from the blowdown level sensor reservoir 25020to the steam chest 25040 of the evaporator/condenser 25080. This pathallows air within the reservoir to exit allowing more blowdown water toenter the reservoir. Similarly, FIG. 52B illustrates a vent path fromthe product level sensor reservoir 25060 to the evaporator/condenser25080. This path allows air within the reservoir to exit allowingproduct water to enter the reservoir. Finally, FIG. 52C shows a ventpath from the condenser area of the evaporator/condenser 25080 to allowair within the apparatus to exit the apparatus to the surroundingatmosphere through a mixing can 25100. In addition, this vent pathassists with maintaining the apparatus' equilibrium by venting smallquantities of steam from the apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 53, in operation, source water enters the sump26020 of the evaporator/condenser 26080 in the manner described in FIGS.50-50E. When source water initially enters the sump 26020, additionalthermal energy may be transferred to the water using a heating element.Typically, the heating element may be used during initial start up ofthe water vapor distillation apparatus. Otherwise the heater will nottypically be used. As the amount of source water in the sump increases,the water flows out of the sump and into the tubes 26040 of theevaporator/condenser through ports within a plate 26060 positionedbetween the sump 26020 and the evaporator/condenser 26080, illustratedin FIG. 53. During initial start-up of the apparatus, the evaporatorsection of the evaporator/condenser 26080 is flooded with source wateruntil there is sufficient amount of water in the blowdown level sensorreservoir. After initial start-up the tubes 26040 remain full of sourcewater.

Referring now to FIG. 54, there are several factors that may affect theperformance of the apparatus described. One of these factors is pressuredifference across the regenerative blower. FIG. 54 is a chartillustrating the relationship between the amount energy required toproduce one liter of product water and the change in pressure across theregenerative blower. Ideally, one would want to operate the blower, suchthat, the most product water is produce using the least amountelectricity. From this graph, operating the blower with a pressuredifferential between 1.5 psi and 2 psi produces a liter of product waterusing the least amount of energy. Operating the blower at pressuresabove or below this range increases the amount of energy that is neededto produce one liter of water.

7.9 Method of Control

The pressure difference across the compressor directly determines theamount of product water that the apparatus may generate. To ensure aparticular amount of product water output from the apparatus, one mayadjust the pressure difference across the compressor. Increasing thespeed of the compressor will typically result in an increase in pressuredifferential across the two sides of the evaporator/condenser.Increasing the pressure differential increases the rate at which sourcewater is evaporated into clean product water.

One of the limiting factors in controlling the water vapor distillationapparatus 100 is the amount of blowdown water that is required tooperate the machine. Without sufficient blowdown water, particulateseparated from the source water will remain in the apparatus. Thisbuild-up of particulate will adversely affect the operation andefficiency of the apparatus.

To ensure that particulate is removed from the apparatus, there must bea sufficient amount of blowdown water present to carry the particulateout of the apparatus. To determine how much blowdown water is requiredto operate the apparatus in a particular environment, one must know thequality of the water entering the apparatus (source water). If thesource water has a high concentration of particulate then more blowdownwater will be needed to absorb and remove the particulate from theapparatus. Conversely, if the source water has a low concentration ofparticulate then less blowdown water will be required. Thus, incomingsource water may pass through a conductivity sensor, such as, but notlimited to, coupled to a purification controller input/output pin. Basedon the sensor output, the purification controller 165 may send controlsignals to actuators responsible for adjusting flow rate. Controlsignals, status signals, and actuator positioning, may be among a numberof variables logged into the purification controller memory during suchan event.

In some embodiments, the blowdown flow rate may be continuouslymonitored as a means of determining the performance level of thepurification system 100. The purification controller 165 in someembodiments, may execute a set of instructions based on analysis of theblowdown flow rate variables and send control signals to variouscomponents on the dispensing and purification portions 139, 140(respectively).

Preferably, the purification controller 165 may reside near the top ofthe purification portion 140, such that wiring to the purificationsystem 100 is minimized, and may be readily accessible by way of ahinged door. This configuration also minimizes the chance of watertouching the electronics in the event of a possible mishap. In thisconfiguration, the purification controller 165 may be attached, in aninverted fashion, to the underside of the uppermost portion of theexternal vending apparatus housing. This way, when the door is closed,the purification controller 165 is hidden from view and also protectedfrom the elements; when the door is open the purification controller 165is reverted to an upright position. In other various embodiments, apurification controller may reside anywhere within the vendingapparatus, such as, among the dispensing components, or in a drawerconfiguration similar to the aforementioned carbon filters.

To control and observe the amount of product and blowdown watergenerated by the apparatus a couple of different control methods may beimplemented. These schemes may include but are not limited to measuringthe level of product and blowdown water within reservoirs located in theapparatus, measuring the flow rate of the product and blowdown watercreated by the apparatus, measuring the quality of the incoming sourcewater and measuring the output quality of the product water.

The level sensor assembly of the exemplary embodiment may measure boththe level of water and the flow rate of water. The water level may bemeasured by the movement of the level sensor assembly. As the waterfills the reservoir, the water produces a change in position of thelevel sensor assembly.

One may determine the flow rate of water by knowing the change inposition of the level sensor assembly, the area of the reservoir and thetime associated with the change in water level. Using a float sensor todetermine flow is advantageous because there is no pressure dropresulting from the use of a float sensor. The flow rate may indicate theperformance of the apparatus and whether that performance is consistentwith normal operation of the apparatus. This information allows theoperator to determine whether the apparatus is functionally properly.For example, if the operator determines the flow rate is below normaloperating conditions, then the operator may check the strainer withinthe inlet piping for impurities or the tubes of the evaporator/condenserfor scaling. Similarly, the operator may use the flow rate to makeadjustments to the apparatus. These adjustments may include changing theamount of blowdown and product water created. Although a flow rate mayindicate performance of the apparatus, this measurement is not required.

The water quality of either the inlet source water or the outlet productwater may be used to control the operation of the water vapordistillation apparatus. This control method determines the operation ofthe machine based on the quality of the water. In one embodiment theconductivity of the product water is monitored. When the conductivityexceeds a specified limit than the sensor sends a signal to shut downthe apparatus. In some embodiments the sensors may be, but are notlimited to a conductivity sensor. In another embodiment, may includemonitoring the conductivity of the blowdown water. When the conductivityof the blowdown water exceeds a specified limit then the sensor sends asignal to increase the amount of source water entering the apparatus.The increase in source water will reduce the conductivity of theblowdown water. In another embodiment, the conductivity of the sourcewater may be monitored. When the conductivity exceeds a specified limitthan the sensor sends a signal to adjust the flow rate of the sourcewater. The higher the source water conductivity may result in higherflow rates for the source and blowdown water.

In operation the water machine may perform conductivity testing of thesource water and/or the product water to determine the quality of thewater entering and exiting the system. This testing may be accomplishedusing conductivity sensors installed within the inlet and outlet pipingof the system. Water having a high conductivity indicates that the waterhas greater amount of impurities. Conversely, water having a loweramount of conductivity indicates that water has a lower level ofimpurities. This type of testing is generic and provides only a generalindication of the purity/quality of the water being analyzed.

7.10 Systems for Distilling Water

Also disclosed herein is where the apparatus for distilling waterdescribed previously may be implemented into a distribution system asdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2007/0112530 A1published on May 17, 2007 entitled “Systems and Methods for DistributedUtilities,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein. Furthermore, a monitoring and/or communications system may alsobe included within the distribution system as described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. US 2007/0112530 A1 published on May 17, 2007entitled “Systems and Methods for Distributed Utilities,” the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

7.11 Alternate Embodiments

Although the exemplary embodiment of the still/water vapor distillationapparatus has been described, alternate embodiments of still, includingalternate embodiments of particular elements of the still (i.e., heatexchanger, evaporator condenser, compressor, etc) are contemplated.Thus, in some alternate embodiments, one of more of the elements arereplaced with alternate embodiment elements described herein. In someembodiments, the entire still is replaced by another embodiment, thesystem as described in one embodiment utilizes the exemplary embodimentas the still while in other embodiments, the system utilizes anotherembodiment.

8. Power Supply 8.1 Stirling Cycle Engine

The various embodiments of the water vapor distillation apparatusdescribed above may, in some embodiment, may be powered by a Stirlingcycle machine (also may be referred to as a Stirling engine). In theexemplary embodiment, the Stirling cycle machine is a Stirling enginedescribed in pending U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2008/0314356published Dec. 25, 2008 entitled “Stirling Cycle Machine,” the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. However, in otherembodiments, the Stirling cycle machine may be any of the Stirling cyclemachines described in the following references, all of which areincorporated by reference in their entirely: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,381,958;6,247,310; 6,536,207; 6,705,081; 7,111,460; and 6,694,731.

Stirling cycle machines, including engines and refrigerators, have along technological heritage, described in detail in Walker, StirlingEngines, Oxford University Press (1980), incorporated herein byreference. The principle underlying the Stirling cycle engine is themechanical realization of the Stirling thermodynamic cycle:isovolumetric heating of a gas within a cylinder, isothermal expansionof the gas (during which work is performed by driving a piston),isovolumetric cooling, and isothermal compression. Additional backgroundregarding aspects of Stirling cycle machines and improvements thereto isdiscussed in Hargreaves, The Phillips Stirling Engine (Elsevier,Amsterdam, 1991), which is herein incorporated by reference.

The principle of operation of a Stirling cycle machine is readilydescribed with reference to FIGS. 58A-58E, wherein identical numeralsare used to identify the same or similar parts. Many mechanical layoutsof Stirling cycle machines are known in the art, and the particularStirling cycle machine designated generally by numeral 5110 is shownmerely for illustrative purposes. In FIGS. 58A to 58D, piston 5112 and adisplacer 5114 move in phased reciprocating motion within the cylinders5116 which, in some embodiments of the Stirling cycle machine, may be asingle cylinder, but in other embodiments, may include greater than asingle cylinder. A working fluid contained within cylinders 5116 isconstrained by seals from escaping around piston 5112 and displacer5114. The working fluid is chosen for its thermodynamic properties, asdiscussed in the description below, and is typically helium at apressure of several atmospheres, however, any gas, including any inertgas, may be used, including, but not limited to, hydrogen, argon, neon,nitrogen, air and any mixtures thereof. The position of the displacer5114 governs whether the working fluid is in contact with the hotinterface 5118 or the cold interface 5120, corresponding, respectively,to the interfaces at which heat is supplied to and extracted from theworking fluid. The supply and extraction of heat is discussed in furtherdetail below. The volume of working fluid governed by the position ofthe piston 5112 is referred to as the compression space 5122.

During the first phase of the Stirling cycle, the starting condition ofwhich is depicted in FIG. 8A, the piston 5112 compresses the fluid inthe compression space 5122. The compression occurs at a substantiallyconstant temperature because heat is extracted from the fluid to theambient environment. The condition of the Stirling cycle machine 5110after compression is depicted in FIG. 58B. During the second phase ofthe cycle, the displacer 5114 moves in the direction of the coldinterface 5120, with the working fluid displaced from the region of thecold interface 5120 to the region of the hot interface 5118. This phasemay be referred to as the transfer phase. At the end of the transferphase, the fluid is at a higher pressure since the working fluid hasbeen heated at constant volume. The increased pressure is depictedsymbolically in FIG. 58C by the reading of the pressure gauge 5124.

During the third phase (the expansion stroke) of the Stirling cyclemachine, the volume of the compression space 5122 increases as heat isdrawn in from outside the Stirling cycle machine 5110, therebyconverting heat to work. In practice, heat is provided to the fluid bymeans of a heater head (not shown) which is discussed in greater detailin the description below. At the end of the expansion phase, thecompression space 5122 is full of cold fluid, as depicted in FIG. 58D.During the fourth phase of the Stirling cycle machine 5110, fluid istransferred from the region of the hot interface 5118 to the region ofthe cold interface 5120 by motion of the displacer 5114 in the opposingsense. At the end of this second transfer phase, the fluid fills thecompression space 5122 and cold interface 5120, as depicted in FIG. 58A,and is ready for a repetition of the compression phase. The Stirlingcycle is depicted in a P-V (pressure-volume) diagram as shown in FIG.58E.

Additionally, on passing from the region of the hot interface 5118 tothe region of the cold interface 5120, in some embodiments, the fluidmay pass through a regenerator (shown as 5408 in FIG. 61). A regeneratoris a matrix of material having a large ratio of surface area to volumewhich serves to absorb heat from the fluid when it enters from theregion of the hot interface 5118 and to heat the fluid when it passesfrom the region of the cold interface 5120.

Stirling cycle machines have not generally been used in practicalapplications due to several daunting challenges to their development.These involve practical considerations such as efficiency and lifetime.Accordingly, there is a need for more Stirling cycle machines withminimal side loads on pistons, increased efficiency and lifetime.

The principle of operation of a Stirling cycle machine or Stirlingengine is further discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,958, issuedMay 7, 2002, to Kamen et al., which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

8.2 Rocking Beam Drive

Referring now to FIGS. 58A-61, embodiments of a Stirling cycle machine,according to one embodiment, are shown in cross-section. The engineembodiment is designated generally by numeral 5300. While the Stirlingcycle machine will be described generally with reference to the Stirlingengine 5300 embodiments shown in FIGS. 58A-61, it is to be understoodthat many types of machines and engines, including but not limited torefrigerators and compressors may similarly benefit from variousembodiments and improvements which are described herein, including butnot limited to, external combustion engines and internal combustionengines.

FIG. 60 depicts a cross-section of an embodiment of a rocking beam drivemechanism 5200 (the term “rocking beam drive” is used synonymously withthe term “rocking beam drive mechanism”) for an engine, such as aStirling engine, having linearly reciprocating pistons 5202 and 5204housed within cylinders 5206 and 5208, respectively. The cylindersinclude linear bearings 5220. Rocking beam drive 5200 converts linearmotions of pistons 5202 and 5204 into the rotary motion of a crankshaft5214. Rocking beam drive 5200 has a rocking beam 5216, rocker pivot5218, a first coupling assembly 5210, and a second coupling assembly5212. Pistons 5202 and 5204 are coupled to rocking beam drive 5200,respectively, via first coupling assembly 5210 and second couplingassembly 5212. The rocking beam drive is coupled to crankshaft 5214 viaa connecting rod 5222.

In some embodiments, the rocking beam and a first portion of thecoupling assembly may be located in a crankcase, while the cylinders,pistons and a second portion of the coupling assembly is located in aworkspace.

In FIG. 61 a crankcase 5400 most of the rocking beam drive 5200 ispositioned below the cylinder housing 5402. Crankcase 5400 is a spacefor operation of the rocking beam drive 5200 having a crankshaft 5214,rocking beam 5216, linear bearings 5220, a connecting rod 5222, andcoupling assemblies 5210 and 5212. Crankcase 5400 intersects cylinders5206 and 5208 transverse to the plane of the axes of pistons 5202 and5204. Pistons 5202 and 5204 reciprocate in respective cylinders 5206 and5208, as also shown in FIG. 59. Cylinders 5206 and 5208 extend abovecrankshaft housing 5400. Crankshaft 5214 is mounted in crankcase 5400below cylinders 5206 and 5208.

FIG. 59 shows one embodiment of rocking beam drive 5200. Couplingassemblies 5210 and 5212 extend from pistons 5202 and 5204,respectively, to connect pistons 5202 and 5204 to rocking beam 5216.Coupling assembly 5212 for piston 5204, in some embodiments, maycomprise a piston rod 5224 and a link rod 5226. Coupling assembly 5210for piston 5202, in some embodiments, may comprise a piston rod 5228 anda link rod 5230. Piston 5204 operates in the cylinder 5208 verticallyand is connected by the coupling assembly 5212 to the end pivot 5232 ofthe rocking beam 5216. The cylinder 5208 provides guidance for thelongitudinal motion of piston 5204. The piston rod 5224 of the couplingassembly 5212 attached to the lower portion of piston 5204 is drivenaxially by its link rod 5226 in a substantially linear reciprocatingpath along the axis of the cylinder 5208. The distal end of piston rod5224 and the proximate end of link rod 5226, in some embodiments, may bejointly hinged via a coupling means 5234. The coupling means 5234, maybe any coupling means known in the art, including but not limited to, aflexible joint, roller bearing element, hinge, journal bearing joint(shown as 5600 in FIG. 63), and flexure (shown as 5700 in FIGS. 64A and64B). The distal end of the link rod 5226 may be coupled to one endpivot 5232 of rocking beam 5216, which is positioned vertically andperpendicularly under the proximate end of the link rod 5226. Astationary linear bearing 5220 may be positioned along coupling assembly5212 to further ensure substantially linear longitudinal motion of thepiston rod 5224 and thus ensuring substantially linear longitudinalmotion of the piston 5204. In an exemplary embodiment, link rod 5226does not pass through linear bearing 5220. This ensures, among otherthings, that piston rod 5224 retains a substantially linear andlongitudinal motion.

In the exemplary embodiment, the link rods may be made from aluminum,and the piston rods and connecting rod are made from D2 Tool Steel.Alternatively, the link rods, piston rods, connecting rods, and rockingbeam may be made from 4340 steel. Other materials may be used for thecomponents of the rocking beam drive, including, but not limited to,titanium, aluminum, steel or cast iron. In some embodiments, the fatiguestrength of the material being used is above the actual load experiencedby the components during operation.

Still referring to FIGS. 59-61, piston 5202 operates vertically in thecylinder 5206 and is connected by the coupling assembly 5210 to the endpivot 5236 of the rocking beam 5216. The cylinder 5206 serves, amongstother functions, to provide guidance for longitudinal motion of piston5202. The piston rod 5228 of the coupling assembly 5210 is attached tothe lower portion of piston 5202 and is driven axially by its link rod5230 in a substantially linear reciprocating path along the axis of thecylinder 5206. The distal end of the piston rod 5228 and the proximateend of the link rod 5230, in some embodiments, is jointly hinged via acoupling means 5238. The coupling means 5238, in various embodiments mayinclude, but are not limited to, a flexure (shown as 5700 in FIGS. 64Aand 64B, roller bearing element, hinge, journal bearing (shown as 5600in FIG. 63), or coupling means as known in the art. The distal end ofthe link rod 5230, in some embodiments, may be coupled to one end pivot5236 of rocking beam 5216, which is positioned vertically andperpendicularly under the proximate end of link rod 5230. A stationarylinear bearing 5220 may be positioned along coupling assembly 5210 tofurther ensure linear longitudinal motion of the piston rod 5228 andthus ensuring linear longitudinal motion of the piston 5202. In anexemplary embodiment, link rod 5230 does not pass through linear bearing5220 to ensure that piston rod 5228 retains a substantially linear andlongitudinal motion.

The coupling assemblies 5210 and 5212 change the alternatinglongitudinal motion of respective pistons 5202 and 5204 to oscillatorymotion of the rocking beam 5216. The delivered oscillatory motion ischanged to the rotational motion of the crankshaft 5214 by theconnecting rod 5222, wherein one end of the connecting rod 5222 isrotatably coupled to a connecting pivot 5240 positioned between an endpivot 5232 and a rocker pivot 5218 in the rocking beam 5216, and anotherend of the connecting rod 5222 is rotatably coupled to crankpin 5246.The rocker pivot 5218 may be positioned substantially at the midpointbetween the end pivots 5232 and 5236 and oscillatorily support therocking beam 5216 as a fulcrum, thus guiding the respective piston rods5224 and 5228 to make sufficient linear motion. In the exemplaryembodiment, the crankshaft 5214 is located above the rocking beam 5216,but in other embodiments, the crankshaft 5214 may be positioned belowthe rocking beam 5216 (as shown in FIGS. 62B and 62D) or in someembodiments, the crankshaft 5214 is positioned to the side of therocking beam 5216, such that it still has a parallel axis to the rockingbeam 5216.

Still referring to FIGS. 59-61, the rocking beam oscillates about therocker pivot 5218, the end pivots 5232 and 5236 follow an arc path.Since the distal ends of the link rods 5226 and 5230 are connected tothe rocking beam 5216 at pivots 5232 and 5236, the distal ends of thelink rods 5226 and 5230 also follow this arc path, resulting in anangular deviation 5242 and 5244 from the longitudinal axis of motion oftheir respective pistons 5202 and 5204. The coupling means 5234 and 5238are configured such that any angular deviation 5244 and 5242 from thelink rods 5226 and 5230 experienced by the piston rods 5224 and 5228 isminimized. Essentially, the angular deviation 5244 and 5242 is absorbedby the coupling means 5234 and 5238 so that the piston rods 5224 and5228 maintain substantially linear longitudinal motion to reduce sideloads on the pistons 5204 and 5202. A stationary linear bearing 5220 mayalso be placed inside the cylinder 5208 or 5206, or along couplingassemblies 5212 or 5210, to further absorb any angular deviation 5244 or5242 thus keeping the piston push rod 5224 or 5228 and the piston 5204or 5202 in linear motion along the longitudinal axis of the piston 5204or 5202.

Therefore, in view of reciprocating motion of pistons 5202 and 5204, itis necessary to keep the motion of pistons 5202 and 5204 as close tolinear as possible because the deviation 5242 and 5244 from longitudinalaxis of reciprocating motion of pistons 5202 and 5204 causes noise,reduction of efficiency, increase of friction to the wall of cylinder,increase of side-load, and low durability of the parts. The alignment ofthe cylinders 5206 and 5208 and the arrangement of crankshaft 5214,piston rods 5224 and 5228, link rods 5226 and 5230, and connecting rod5222, hence, may influence on, amongst other things, the efficiencyand/or the volume of the device. For the purpose of increasing thelinearity of the piston motion as mentioned, the pistons (shown as 5202and 5204 in FIGS. 59-61) are preferably as close to the side of therespective cylinders 5206 and 5208 as possible.

In another embodiment reducing angular deviation of link rods, link rods5226 and 5230 substantially linearly reciprocate along longitudinal axisof motion of respective pistons 5204 and 5202 to decrease the angulardeviation and thus to decrease the side load applied to each piston 5204and 5202. The angular deviation defines the deviation of the link rod5226 or 5230 from the longitudinal axis of the piston 5204 or 5202.Numerals 5244 and 5242 designate the angular deviation of the link rods5226 and 5230, as shown in FIG. 59. Therefore, the position of couplingassembly 5212 influences the angular displacement of the link rod 5226,based on the length of the distance between the end pivot 5232 and therocker pivot 5218 of the rocking beam 5216. Thus, the position of thecoupling assemblies may be such that the angular displacement of thelink rod 5226 is reduced. For the link rod 5230, the length of thecoupling assembly 5210 also may be determined and placed to reduce theangular displacement of the link rod 5230, based on the length of thedistance between the end pivot 5236 and the rocker pivot 5218 of therocking beam 5216. Therefore, the length of the link rods 5226 and 5230,the length of coupling assemblies 5212 and 5210, and the length of therocking beam 5216 are significant parameters that greatly influenceand/or determine the angular deviation of the link rods 5226 and 5230 asshown in FIG. 59.

The exemplary embodiment has a straight rocking beam 5216 having the endpoints 5232 and 5236, the rocker pivot 5218, and the connecting pivot5240 along the same axis. However, in other embodiments, the rockingbeam 5216 may be bent, such that pistons may be placed at angles to eachother, as shown in FIGS. 62C and 62D.

Referring now to FIGS. 59-61 and FIGS. 64A-64B, in some embodiments ofthe coupling assembly, the coupling assemblies 5212 and 5210, mayinclude a flexible link rod that is axially stiff but flexible in therocking beam 5216 plane of motion between link rods 5226 and 5230, andpistons 5204 and 5202, respectively. In this embodiment, at least oneportion, the flexure (shown as 5700 in FIGS. 64A-64B), of link rods 5226and 5230 is elastic. The flexture 5700 acts as a coupling means betweenthe piston rod and the link rod. The flexure 5700 may absorb thecrank-induced side loads of the pistons more effectively, thus allowingits respective piston to maintain linear longitudinal movement insidethe piston's cylinder. This flexure 5700 allows small rotations in theplane of the rocking beam 5216 between the link rods 5226 and 5230 andpistons 5204 or 5202, respectively. Although depicted in this embodimentas flat, which increases the elasticity of the link rods 5226 and 5230,the flexure 5700, in some embodiments, is not flat. The flexure 5700also may be constructed near to the lower portion of the pistons or nearto the distal end of the link rods 5226 and 5230. The flexure 5700, inone embodiment, may be made of #D2 Tool Steel Hardened to 58-62 RC. Insome embodiments, there may be more than one flexure (not shown) on thelink rod 5226 or 5230 to increase the elasticity of the link rods.

In alternate embodiment, the axes of the pistons in each cylinderhousing may extend in different directions, as depicted in FIGS. 62C and62D. In the exemplary embodiment, the axes of the pistons in eachcylinder housing are substantially parallel and preferably substantiallyvertical, as depicted in FIGS. 59-61, and FIGS. 62A and 62B. FIGS.62A-62D include various embodiments of the rocking beam drive mechanismincluding like numbers as those shown and described with respect toFIGS. 32-34. It will be understood by those skilled in that art thatchanging the relative position of the connecting pivot 5240 along therocking beam 5216 will change the stroke of the pistons.

Accordingly, a change in the parameters of the relative position of theconnecting pivot 5240 in the rocking beam 5216 and the length of thepiston rods 5224 and 5228, link rods 5230 and 5226, rocking beam 5216,and the position of rocker pivot 5218 will change the angular deviationof the link rods 5226 and 5230, the phasing of the pistons 5204 and5202, and the size of the device 5300 in a variety of manner. Therefore,in various embodiments, a wide range of piston phase angles and variablesizes of the engine may be chosen based on the modification of one ormore of these parameters. In practice, the link rods 5224 and 5228 ofthe exemplary embodiment have substantially lateral movement within from−0.5 degree to +0.5 degree from the longitudinal axis of the pistons5204 and 5202. In various other embodiments, depending on the length ofthe link rod, the angle may vary anywhere from approaching 0 degrees to0.75 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the angle may be higherincluding anywhere from approaching 0 to the approximately 20 degrees.As the link rod length increases, however, the crankcase/overall engineheight increases as well as the weight of the engine.

One feature of the exemplary embodiment is that each piston has its linkrod extending substantially to the attached piston rod so that it isformed as a coupling assembly. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly5212 for the piston 5204 includes a piston rod 5224, a link rod 5226,and a coupling means 5234 as shown in FIG. 59. More specifically, oneproximal end of piston rod 5224 is attached to the lower portion ofpiston 5204 and the distal end piston rod 5224 is connected to theproximate end of the link rod 5226 by the coupling means 5234. Thedistal end of the link rod 5226 extends vertically to the end pivot 5232of the rocking beam 5216. As described above, the coupling means 5234may be, but is not limited to, a joint, hinge, coupling, or flexure orother means known in the art. In this embodiment, the ratio of thepiston rod 5224 and the link rod 5226 may determine the angulardeviation of the link rod 5226 as mentioned above.

In one embodiment of the machine, an engine, such as a Stirling engine,employs more than one rocking beam drive on a crankshaft. Referring nowto FIG. 65, an unwrapped “four cylinder” rocking beam drive mechanism5800 is shown. In this embodiment, the rocking beam drive mechanism hasfour pistons 5802, 5804, 5806, and 5808 coupled to two rocking beamdrives 5810 and 5812. In the exemplary embodiment, rocking beam drivemechanism 5800 is used in a Stirling engine comprising at least fourpistons 5802, 5804, 5806, and 5808, positioned in a quadrilateralarrangement coupled to a pair of rocking beam drives 5810 and 5812,wherein each rocking beam drive is connected to crankshaft 5814.However, in other embodiments, the Stirling cycle engine includesanywhere from 1-4 pistons, and in still other embodiments, the Stirlingcycle engine includes more than 4 pistons. In some embodiments, rockingbeam drives 5810 and 5812 are substantially similar to the rocking beamdrives described above with respect to FIGS. 59-61 (shown as 5210 and5212 in FIGS. 59-61). Although in this embodiment, the pistons are shownoutside the cylinders, in practice, the pistons would be insidecylinders.

Still referring to FIG. 65, in some embodiments, the rocking beam drivemechanism 5800 has a single crankshaft 5814 having a pair oflongitudinally spaced, radially and oppositely directed crank pins 5816and 5818 adapted for being journalled in a housing, and a pair ofrocking beam drives 5810 and 5812. Each rocking beam 5820 and 5822 ispivotally connected to rocker pivots 5824 and 5826, respectively, and tocrankpins 5816 and 5818, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment,rocking beams 5820 and 5822 are coupled to a rocking beam shaft 5828.

In some embodiments, a motor/generator may be connected to thecrankshaft in a working relationship. The motor may be located, in oneembodiment, between the rocking beam drives. In another embodiment, themotor may be positioned outboard. The term “motor/generator” is used tomean either a motor or a generator.

FIG. 66 shows one embodiment of crankshaft 5814. Positioned on thecrankshaft is a motor/generator 5900, such as a Permanent Magnetic(“PM”) generator. Motor/generator 5900 may be positioned between, orinboard of the rocking beam drives (not shown, shown in FIG. 65 as 5810and 5812), or may be positioned outside, or outboard of, rocking beamdrives 5810 and 5812 at an end of crankshaft 5814, as depicted bynumeral 51000 in FIG. 71A.

When motor/generator 5900 is positioned between the rocking beam drives(not shown, shown in FIG. 65 as 5810 and 5812), the length ofmotor/generator 5900 is limited to the distance between the rocking beamdrives. The diameter squared of motor/generator 5900 is limited by thedistance between the crankshaft 5814 and the rocking beam shaft 5828.Because the capacity of motor/generator 5900 is proportional to itsdiameter squared and length, these dimension limitations result in alimited-capacity “pancake” motor/generator 5900 having relatively shortlength, and a relatively large diameter squared. The use of a “pancake”motor/generator 5900 may reduce the overall dimension of the engine,however, the dimension limitations imposed by the inboard configurationresult in a motor/generator having limited capacity.

Placing motor/generator 5900 between the rocking beam drives exposesmotor/generator 5900 to heat generated by the mechanical friction of therocking beam drives. The inboard location of motor/generator 5900 makesit more difficult to cool motor/generator 5900, thereby increasing theeffects of heat produced by motor/generator 5900 as well as heatabsorbed by motor/generator 5900 from the rocking beam drives. This maylead to overheating, and ultimately failure of motor/generator 5900.

Referring to both FIGS. 65 and 66, the inboard positioning ofmotor/generator 5900 may also lead to an unequilateral configuration ofpistons 5802, 5804, 5806, and 5808, since pistons 5802, 5804, 5806, and5808 are coupled to rocking beam drives 5810 and 5812, respectively, andany increase in distance would also result in an increase in distancebetween pistons 5802, 5804, and pistons 5806 and 5808. An unequilateralarrangement of pistons may lead to inefficiencies in burner and heaterhead thermodynamic operation, which, in turn, may lead to a decrease inoverall engine efficiency. Additionally, an unequilateral arrangement ofpistons may lead to larger heater head and combustion chamberdimensions.

The exemplary embodiment of the motor/generator arrangement is shown inFIG. 71A. As shown in FIG. 71A, the motor/generator 51000 is positionedoutboard from rocking beam drives 51010 and 51012 (shown as 5810 and5812 in FIG. 65) and at an end of crankshaft 51006. The outboardposition allows for a motor/generator 51000 with a larger length anddiameter squared than the “pancake” motor/generator described above(shown as 5900 in FIG. 66). As previously stated, the capacity ofmotor/generator 51000 is proportional to its length and diametersquared, and since outboard motor/generator 51000 may have a largerlength and diameter squared, the outboard motor/generator 51000configuration shown in FIG. 71A may allow for the use of a highercapacity motor/generator in conjunction with engine.

By placing motor/generator 51000 outboard of drives 51010 and 51012 asshown in the embodiment in FIG. 71A, motor/generator 51000 is notexposed to heat generated by the mechanical friction of drives 51010 and51012. Also, the outboard position of motor/generator 1000 makes iteasier to cool the motor/generator, thereby allowing for more mechanicalengine cycles per a given amount of time, which in turn allows forhigher overall engine performance.

Also, as motor/generator 51000 is positioned outside and not positionedbetween drives 51010 and 51012, rocking beam drives 51010 and 51012 maybe placed closer together thereby allowing the pistons which are coupledto drives 51010 and 51012 to be placed in an equilateral arrangement. Insome embodiments, depending on the burner type used, particularly in thecase of a single burner embodiment, equilateral arrangement of pistonsallows for higher efficiencies in burner and heater head thermodynamicoperation, which in turn allows higher overall engine performance.Equilateral arrangement of pistons also advantageously allows forsmaller heater head and combustion chamber dimensions.

Referring again to FIGS. 65 and 66, crankshaft 5814 may have concentricends 5902 and 5904, which in one embodiment are crank journals, and invarious other embodiments, may be, but are not limited to, bearings.Each concentric end 5902, 5904 has a crankpin 5816, 5818 respectively,which may be offset from a crankshaft center axis. At least onecounterweight 5906 may be placed at either end of crankshaft 5814 (shownas 51006 in FIG. 71A), to counterbalance any instability the crankshaft5814 may experience. This crankshaft configuration in combination withthe rocking beam drive described above allows the pistons (shown as5802, 5804, 5806, and 5808 in FIG. 65) to do work with one rotation ofthe crankshaft 5814. This characteristic will be further explainedbelow. In other embodiments, a flywheel (not shown) may be placed oncrankshaft 5814 (shown as 51006 in FIG. 71A) to decrease fluctuations ofangular velocity for a more constant speed.

Still referring to FIGS. 65 and 66, in some embodiments, a cooler (notshown) may be also be positioned along the crankshaft 5814 (shown as51006 in FIG. 71A) and rocking beam drives 5810 and 5812 (shown as 51010and 51012 in FIG. 71A) to cool the crankshaft 5814 and rocking beamdrives 5810 and 5812. In some embodiments, the cooler may be used tocool the working gas in a cold chamber of a cylinder and may also beconfigured to cool the rocking beam drive. Various embodiments of thecooler are discussed in detail below.

FIGS. 71A-71G depicts some embodiments of various parts of the machine.As shown in this embodiment, crankshaft 51006 is coupled tomotor/generator 51000 via a motor/generator coupling assembly. Sincemotor/generator 51000 is mounted to crankcase 51008, pressurization ofcrankcase with a charge fluid may result in crankcase deformation, whichin turn may lead to misalignments between motor/generator 51000 andcrankshaft 51006 and cause crankshaft 51006 to deflect. Because rockingbeam drives 51010 and 51012 are coupled to crankshaft 51006, deflectionof crankshaft 51006 may lead to failure of rocking beam drives 51010 and51012. Thus, in one embodiment of the machine, a motor/generatorcoupling assembly is used to couple the motor/generator 51000 tocrankshaft 51006. The motor/generator coupling assembly accommodatesdifferences in alignment between motor/generator 51000 and crankshaft51006 which may contribute to failure of rocking beam drives 51010 and51012 during operation.

Still referring to FIGS. 71A-71G, in one embodiment, the motor/generatorcoupling assembly is a spline assembly that includes spline shaft 51004,sleeve rotor 51002 of motor/generator 51000, and crankshaft 51006.Spline shaft 51004 couples one end of crankshaft 51006 to sleeve rotor51002. Sleeve rotor 51002 is attached to motor/generator 51000 bymechanical means, such as press fitting, welding, threading, or thelike. In one embodiment, spline shaft 51004 includes a plurality ofsplines on both ends of the shaft. In other embodiments, spline shaft51004 includes a middle splineless portion 51014, which has a diametersmaller than the outer diameter or inner diameter of splined portions51016 and 51018. In still other embodiments, one end portion of thespline shaft 51016 has splines that extend for a longer distance alongthe shaft than a second end portion 51018 that also includes splinesthereon.

In some embodiments, sleeve rotor 51002 includes an opening 51020 thatextends along a longitudinal axis of sleeve rotor 51002. The opening51020 is capable of receiving spline shaft 51004. In some embodiments,opening 51020 includes a plurality of inner splines 51022 capable ofengaging the splines on one end of spline shaft 51004. The outerdiameter 51028 of inner splines 51022 may be larger than the outerdiameter 51030 of the splines on spline shaft 51004, such that the fitbetween inner splines 51022 and the splines on spline shaft 51004 isloose (as shown in FIG. 71E). A loose fit between inner splines 51022and the splines on spline shaft 51004 contributes to maintain splineengagement between spline shaft 51004 and rotor sleeve 51002 duringdeflection of spline shaft 51004, which may be caused by crankcasepressurization. In other embodiments, longer splined portion 51016 ofspline shaft 51004 may engage inner splines 51022 of rotor 51002.

Still referring to FIGS. 71A-71G, in some embodiments, crankshaft 51006has an opening 51024 on an end thereof, which is capable of receivingone end of spline shaft 51004. Opening 51024 preferably includes aplurality of inner splines 51026 that engage the splines on spline shaft51004. The outer diameter 51032 of inner splines 51026 may be largerthan the outer diameter 51034 of the splines on spline shaft 51004, suchthat the fit between inner splines 51026 and the splines on spline shaft51004 is loose (as shown in FIG. 71F). As previously discussed, a loosefit between inner splines 51026 and the splines on spline shaft 51004contributes to maintain spline engagement between spline shaft 51004 andcrankshaft 51006 during deflection of spline shaft 51004, which may becaused by crankcase pressurization. The loose fit between the innersplines 51026 and 51022 on the crankshaft 51006 and the sleeve rotor51002 and the splines on the spline shaft 51004 may contribute tomaintain deflection of spline shaft 51004. This may allow misalignmentsbetween crankshaft 51006 and sleeve rotor 51002. In some embodiments,shorter splined portion 51018 of spline shaft 51004 may engage opening51024 of crankshaft 51006 thus preventing these potential misalignments.

In some embodiments, opening 51020 of sleeve rotor 51002 includes aplurality of inner splines that extend the length of opening 51020. Thisarrangement contributes to spline shaft 51004 being properly insertedinto opening 51020 during assembly. This contributes to proper alignmentbetween the splines on spline shaft 51004 and the inner splines onsleeve rotor 51002 being maintained.

Referring now to FIG. 61, one embodiment of the engine is shown. Herethe pistons 5202 and 5204 of engine 5300 operate between a hot chamber5404 and a cold chamber 5406 of cylinders 5206 and 5208 respectively.Between the two chambers there may be a regenerator 5408. Theregenerator 5408 may have variable density, variable area, and, in someembodiments, is made of wire. The varying density and area of theregenerator may be adjusted such that the working gas has substantiallyuniform flow across the regenerator 5408. Various embodiments of theregenerator 5408 are discussed in detail below, and in U.S. Pat. No.6,591,609, issued Jul. 17, 2003, to Kamen et al., and U.S. Pat. No.6,862,883, issued Mar. 8, 2005, to Kamen et al., which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entireties. When the working gaspasses through the hot chamber 5404, a heater head 5410 may heat the gascausing the gas to expand and push pistons 5202 and 5204 towards thecold chamber 5406, where the gas compresses. As the gas compresses inthe cold chamber 5406, pistons 5202 and 5204 may be guided back to thehot chamber to undergo the Stirling cycle again. The heater head 5410may be a pin head, a fin head, a folded fin head, heater tubes as shownin FIG. 61, or any other heater head embodiment known, including, butnot limited to, those described below. Various embodiments of heaterhead 5410 are discussed in detail below, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,958,issued May 7, 2002, to Kamen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,215, issuedApr. 8, 2003, to Langenfeld et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,182, issued Nov.22, 2005, to Kamen et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,787, issued Dec. 18,2007, to LaRocque et al., which are herein incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

In some embodiments, a cooler 5412 may be positioned alongside cylinders5206 and 5208 to further cool the gas passing through to the coldchamber 5406. Various embodiments of cooler 5412 are discussed in detailin the proceeding sections, and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,399, issued Feb.5, 2008, to Strimling et al, which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

In some embodiments, at least one piston seal 5414 may be positioned onpistons 5202 and 5204 to seal the hot section 5404 off from the coldsection 5406. Additionally, at least one piston guide ring 5416 may bepositioned on pistons 5202 and 5204 to help guide the pistons' motion intheir respective cylinders. Various embodiments of piston seal 5414 andguide ring 5416 are described in detail below, and in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2003/0024387, published Feb. 6, 2003 (now abandoned),which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, at least one piston rod seal 5418 may be placedagainst piston rods 5224 and 5228 to prevent working gas from escapinginto the crankcase 5400, or alternatively into airlock space 5420. Thepiston rod seal 5418 may be an elastomer seal, or a spring-loaded seal.Various embodiments of the piston rod seal 5418 are discussed in detailbelow.

In some embodiments, the airlock space may be eliminated, in the rollingdiaphragm and/or bellows embodiments described in more detail below. Inthose cases, the piston rod seals 5224 and 5228 seal the working spacefrom the crankcase.

In some embodiments, at least one rolling diaphragm/bellows 5422 may belocated along piston rods 5224 and 5228 to prevent airlock gas fromescaping into the crankcase 5400. Various embodiments of rollingdiaphragm 5422 are discussed in more detail below.

Although FIG. 61 shows a cross section of engine 5300 depicting only twopistons and one rocking beam drive, it is to be understood that theprinciples of operation described herein may apply to a four cylinder,double rocking beam drive engine, as designated generally by numeral5800 in FIG. 65.

8.3 Piston Operation

Referring now to FIGS. 65 and 72, FIG. 72 shows the operation of pistons5802, 5804, 5806, and 5808 during one revolution of crankshaft 5814.With a ¼ revolution of crankshaft 5814, piston 5802 is at the top of itscylinder, otherwise known as top dead center, piston 5806 is in upwardmidstroke, piston 5804 is at the bottom of its cylinder, otherwise knownas bottom dead center, and piston 5808 is in downward midstroke. With ½revolution of crankshaft 5814, piston 5802 is in downward midstroke,piston 5806 is at top dead center, piston 5804 is in upward midstroke,and piston 5808 is at bottom dead center. With ¾ revolution ofcrankshaft 5814, piston 5802 is at bottom dead center, piston 5806 is indownward midstroke, piston 5804 is at top dead center, and piston 5808is in upward midstroke. Finally, with a full revolution of crankshaft5814, piston 5802 is in upward midstroke, piston 5806 is at bottom deadcenter, piston 5804 is in downward midstroke, and piston 5808 is at topdead center. During each ¼ revolution, there is a 90 degree phasedifference between pistons 5802 and 5806, a 180 degree phase differencebetween pistons 5802 and 5804, and a 270 degree phase difference betweenpistons 5802 and 5808. FIG. 73A illustrates the relationship of thepistons being approximately 90 degrees out of phase with the precedingand succeeding piston. Additionally, FIG. 72 shows the exemplaryembodiment machine means of transferring work. Thus, work is transferredfrom piston 5802 to piston 5806 to piston 5804 to piston 5808 so thatwith a full revolution of crankshaft 5814, all pistons have exerted workby moving from the top to the bottom of their respective cylinders.

Referring now to FIG. 72, together with FIGS. 73A-73C, illustrate the 90degree phase difference between the pistons in the exemplary embodiment.Referring now to FIG. 73A, although the cylinders are shown in a linearpath, this is for illustration purposes only. In the exemplaryembodiment of a four cylinder Stirling cycle machine, the flow path ofthe working gas contained within the cylinder working space follows afigure eight pattern. Thus, the working spaces of cylinders 51200,51202, 51204, and 51206 are connected in a figure eight pattern, forexample, from cylinder 51200 to cylinder 51202 to cylinder 51204 tocylinder 51208, the fluid flow pattern follows a figure eight. Stillreferring to FIG. 73A, an unwrapped view of cylinders 51200, 51202,51204, and 51206, taken along the line B-B (shown in FIG. 73C) isillustrated. The 90 degree phase difference between pistons as describedabove allows for the working gas in the warm section 51212 of cylinder51204 to be delivered to the cold section 51222 of cylinder 51206. Aspiston 5802 and 5808 are 90 degrees out of phase, the working gas in thewarm section 51214 of cylinder 51206 is delivered to the cold section51216 of cylinder 51200. As piston 5802 and piston 5806 are also 90degrees out of phase, the working gas in the warm section 51208 ofcylinder 51200 is delivered to the cold section 51218 of cylinder 51202.And as piston 5804 and piston 5806 are also 90 degrees out of phase, sothe working gas in the warm section 51210 of cylinder 51202 is deliveredto the cold section 51220 of cylinder 51204. Once the working gas of awarm section of a first cylinder enters the cold section of a secondcylinder, the working gas begins to compress, and the piston within thesecond cylinder, in its down stroke, thereafter forces the compressedworking gas back through a regenerator 51224 and heater head 51226(shown in FIG. 73B), and back into the warm section of the firstcylinder. Once inside the warm section of the first cylinder, the gasexpands and drives the piston within that cylinder downward, thuscausing the working gas within the cold section of that first cylinderto be driven through the preceding regenerator and heater head, and intothe cylinder. This cyclic transmigration characteristic of working gasbetween cylinders 51200, 51202, 51204, and 51206 is possible becausepistons 5802, 5804, 5806, and 5808 are connected, via drives 5810 and5812, to a common crankshaft 5814 (shown in FIG. 72), in such a way thatthe cyclical movement of each piston is approximately 90 degrees inadvance of the movement of the proceeding piston, as depicted in FIG.73A.

8.4 Rolling Diaphragm, Metal Bellows, Airlock, and Pressure Regulator

In some embodiments of the Stirling cycle machine, lubricating fluid isused. To prevent the lubricating fluid from escaping the crankcase, aseal is used.

Referring now to FIGS. 74A-76G, some embodiments of the Stirling cyclemachine include a fluid lubricated rocking beam drive that utilizes arolling diaphragm 51300 positioned along the piston rod 51302 to preventlubricating fluid from escaping the crankcase, not shown, but thecomponents that are housed in the crankcase are represented as 51304,and entering areas of the engine that may be damaged by the lubricatingfluid. It is beneficial to contain the lubricating fluid for iflubricating fluid enters the working space, not shown, but thecomponents that are housed in the working space are represented as51306, it would contaminate the working fluid, come into contact withthe regenerator 51308, and may clog the regenerator 51308. The rollingdiaphragm 51300 may be made of an elastomer material, such as rubber orrubber reinforced with woven fabric or non-woven fabric to providerigidity. The rolling diaphragm 51300 may alternatively be made of othermaterials, such as fluorosilicone or nitrile with woven fabric ornon-woven fabric. The rolling diaphragm 51300 may also be made of carbonnanotubes or chopped fabric, which is non-woven fabric with fibers ofpolyester or KEVLAR®, for example, dispersed in an elastomer. In thesome embodiments, the rolling diaphragm 51300 is supported by the topseal piston 51328 and the bottom seal piston 51310. In otherembodiments, the rolling diaphragm 51300 as shown in FIG. 61 issupported via notches in the top seal piston 51328.

In some embodiments, a pressure differential is placed across therolling diaphragm 51300 such that the pressure above the seal 51300 isdifferent from the pressure in the crankcase 51304. This pressuredifferential inflates seal 51300 and allows seal 51300 to act as adynamic seal as the pressure differential ensures that rolling diaphragmmaintains its form throughout operation. FIG. 74A, and FIGS. 74C-74H,illustrate how the pressure differential affects the rolling diaphragm.The pressure differential causes the rolling diaphragm 51300 to conformto the shape of the bottom seal piston 51310 as it moves with the pistonrod 51302, and prevents separation of the seal 51300 from a surface ofthe piston 51310 during operation. Such separation may cause sealfailure. The pressure differential causes the rolling diaphragm 51300 tomaintain constant contact with the bottom seal piston 51310 as it moveswith the piston rod 51302. This occurs because one side of the seal51300 will always have pressure exerted on it thereby inflating the seal51300 to conform to the surface of the bottom seal piston 51310. In someembodiments, the top seal piston 51328 ‘rolls over’ the corners of therolling diaphragm 51300 that are in contact with the bottom seal piston51310, so as to further maintain the seal 51300 in contact with thebottom seal piston 51310. In the exemplary embodiment, the pressuredifferential is in the range of 10 to 15 PSI. The smaller pressure inthe pressure differential is preferably in crankcase 51304, so that therolling diaphragm 51300 may be inflated into the crankcase 51304.However, in other embodiments, the pressure differential may have agreater or smaller range of value.

The pressure differential may be created by various methods including,but not limited to, the use of the following: a pressurized lubricationsystem, a pneumatic pump, sensors, an electric pump, by oscillating therocking beam to create a pressure rise in the crankcase 51304, bycreating an electrostatic charge on the rolling diaphragm 51300, orother similar methods. In some embodiments, the pressure differential iscreated by pressurizing the crankcase 51304 to a pressure that is belowthe mean pressure of the working space 51306. In some embodiments thecrankcase 51304 is pressurized to a pressure in the range of 10 to 15PSI below the mean pressure of the working space 51306, however, invarious other embodiments, the pressure differential may be smaller orgreater. Further detail regarding the rolling diaphragm is includedbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 74C, 74G, and 74H, however, another embodiment ofthe Stirling machine is shown, wherein airlock space 51312 is locatedbetween working space 51306 and crankcase 51304. Airlock space 51312maintains a constant volume and pressure necessary to create thepressure differential necessary for the function of rolling diaphragm51300 as described above. In one embodiment, airlock 51312 is notabsolutely sealed off from working space 51306, so the pressure ofairlock 51312 is equal to the mean pressure of working space 51306.Thus, in some embodiments, the lack of an effective seal between theworking space and the crankcase contributes to the need for an airlockspace. Thus, the airlock space, in some embodiments, may be eliminatedby a more efficient and effective seal.

During operation, the working space 51306 mean pressure may vary so asto cause airlock 51312 mean pressure to vary as well. One reason thepressure may tend to vary is that during operation the working space mayget hotter, which in turn may increase the pressure in the workingspace, and consequently in the airlock as well since the airlock andworking space are in fluid communication. In such a case, the pressuredifferential between airlock 51312 and crankcase 51304 will also vary,thereby causing unnecessary stresses in rolling diaphragms 51300 thatmay lead to seal failure. Therefore, some embodiments of the machine,the mean pressure within airlock 51312 is regulated so as to maintain aconstant desired pressure differential between airlock 51312 andcrankcase 51304, and ensuring that rolling diaphragms 51300 stayinflated and maintains their form. In some embodiments, a pressuretransducer is used to monitor and manage the pressure differentialbetween the airlock and the crankcase, and regulate the pressureaccordingly so as to maintain a constant pressure differential betweenthe airlock and the crankcase. Various embodiments of the pressureregulator that may be used are described in further detail below, and inU.S. Pat. No. 7,310,945, issued Dec. 25, 2007, to Gurski et al., whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A constant pressure differential between the airlock 51312 and crankcase51304 may be achieved by adding or removing working fluid from airlock51312 via a pump or a release valve. Alternatively, a constant pressuredifferential between airlock 51312 and crankcase 51304 may be achievedby adding or removing working fluid from crankcase 51304 via a pump or arelease valve. The pump and release valve may be controlled by thepressure regulator. Working fluid may be added to airlock 51312 (orcrankcase 51304) from a separate source, such as a working fluidcontainer, or may be transferred over from crankcase 51304. Shouldworking fluid be transferred from crankcase 51304 to airlock 51312, itmay be desirable to filter the working fluid before passing it intoairlock 51312 so as to prevent any lubricant from passing from crankcase51304 into airlock 51312, and ultimately into working space 51306, asthis may result in engine failure.

In some embodiments of the machine, crankcase 51304 may be charged witha fluid having different thermal properties than the working fluid. Forexample, where the working gas is helium or hydrogen, the crankcase maybe charged with argon. Thus, the crankcase is pressurized. In someembodiments, helium is used, but in other embodiments, any inert gas, asdescribed herein, may be used. Thus, the crankcase is a wet pressurizedcrankcase in the exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments where alubricating fluid is not used, the crankcase is not wet.

In the exemplary embodiments, rolling diaphragms 51300 do not allow gasor liquid to pass through them, which allows working space 51306 toremain dry and crankcase 51304 to be wet sumped with a lubricatingfluid. Allowing a wet sump crankcase 51304 increases the efficiency andlife of the engine as there is less friction in rocking beam drives51316. In some embodiments, the use of roller bearings or ball bearingsin drives 51316 may also be eliminated with the use of lubricating fluidand rolling diaphragms 51300. This may further reduce engine noise andincrease engine life and efficiency.

FIGS. 75A-75E show cross sections of various embodiments of the rollingdiaphragm (shown as 51400, 51410, 51412, 51422 and 51424) configured tobe mounted between top seal piston and bottom seal piston (shown as51328 and 51310 in FIGS. 75A and 75H), and between a top mountingsurface and a bottom mounting surface (shown as 51320 and 51318 in FIG.75A). In some embodiments, the top mounting surface may be the surfaceof an airlock or working space, and the bottom mounting surface may bethe surface of a crankcase.

FIG. 75A shows one embodiment of the rolling diaphragm 51400, where therolling diaphragm 51400 includes a flat inner end 51402 that may bepositioned between a top seal piston and a bottom seal piston, so as toform a seal between the top seal piston and the bottom seal piston. Therolling diaphragm 51400 also includes a flat outer end 51404 that may bepositioned between a top mounting surface and a bottom mounting surface,so as to form a seal between the top mounting surface and the bottommounting surface. FIG. 75B 514B shows another embodiment of the rollingdiaphragm, wherein rolling diaphragm 51410 may include a plurality ofbends 51408 leading up to flat inner end 51406 to provide for additionalsupport and sealing contact between the top seal piston and the bottomseal piston. FIG. 75C shows another embodiment of the rolling diaphragm,wherein rolling diaphragm 51412 includes a plurality of bends 51416leading up to flat outer end 51414 to provide for additional support andsealing contact between the top mounting surface and the bottom mountingsurface.

FIG. 75D shows another embodiment of the rolling diaphragm where rollingdiaphragm 51422 includes a bead along an inner end 51420 thereof, so asto form an ‘o-ring’ type seal between a top seal piston and a bottomseal piston, and a bead along an outer end 51418 thereof, so as to forman ‘o-ring’ type seal between a bottom mounting surface and a topmounting surface. FIG. 75E shows another embodiment of the rollingdiaphragm, wherein rolling diaphragm 51424 includes a plurality of bends51428 leading up to beaded inner end 51426 to provide for additionalsupport and sealing contact between the top seal piston and the bottomseal piston. Rolling diaphragm 51424 may also include a plurality ofbends 51430 leading up to beaded outer end 51432 to provide foradditional support and sealing contact between the top seal piston andthe bottom seal piston.

Although FIGS. 75A through 75E depict various embodiments of the rollingdiaphragm, it is to be understood that rolling diaphragms may be held inplace by any other mechanical means known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 76A, a cross section shows one embodiment of therolling diaphragm embodiment. A metal bellows 51500 is positioned alonga piston rod 51502 to seal off a crankcase (shown as 51304 in FIG. 74G)from a working space or airlock (shown as 51306 and 51312 in FIG. 74G).Metal bellows 51500 may be attached to a top seal piston 51504 and astationary mounting surface 51506. Alternatively, metal bellows 51500may be attached to a bottom seal piston (not shown), and a topstationary mounting surface. In one embodiment the bottom stationarymounting surface may be a crankcase surface or an inner airlock orworking space surface and the top stationary mounting surface may be aninner crankcase surface, or an outer airlock or working space surface.Metal bellows 51500 may be attached by welding, brazing, or anymechanical means known in the art.

FIGS. 76B-76G depicts a perspective cross sectional view of variousembodiments of the metal bellows, wherein the metal bellows is a weldedmetal bellows 51508. In some embodiments of the metal bellows, the metalbellows is preferably a micro-welded metal bellows. In some embodiments,the welded metal bellows 51508 includes a plurality of diaphragms 51510,which are welded to each other at either an inner end 51512 or an outerend 51514, as shown in FIGS. 76C and 76D. In some embodiments,diaphragms 51510 may be crescent shaped 51516, flat 51518, rippled51520, or any other shape known in the art.

Additionally, the metal bellows may alternatively be formed mechanicallyby means such as die forming, hydroforming, explosive hydroforming,hydramolding, or any other means known in the art.

The metal bellows may be made of any type of metal, including but notlimited to, steel, stainless steel, stainless steel 374, AM-350stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy, Haynes, titanium, or any otherhigh-strength, corrosion-resistant material.

In one embodiment, the metal bellows used are those available fromSenior Aerospace Metal Bellows Division, Sharon, Mass., or American BOA,Inc., Cumming, Ga.

8.5 Rolling Diaphragm and/or Bellows Embodiments

Various embodiments of the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows, whichfunction to seal, are described above. Further embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art based on the description above andthe additional description below relating to the parameters of therolling diaphragm and/or bellows.

In some embodiments, the pressure atop the rolling diaphragm or bellows,in the airlock space or airlock area (both terms are usedinterchangeably), is the mean-working-gas pressure for the machine,which, in some embodiments is an engine, while the pressure below therolling diaphragm and/or bellows, in the crankcase area, isambient/atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, the rollingdiaphragm and/or bellows is required to operate with as much as 3000 psiacross it (and in some embodiments, up to 1500 psi or higher). In thiscase, the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows seal forms the working gas(helium, hydrogen, or otherwise) containment barrier for the machine(engine in the exemplary embodiment). Also, in these embodiments, theneed for a heavy, pressure-rated, structural vessel to contain thebottom end of the engine is eliminated, since it is now required tosimply contain lubricating fluid (oil is used as a lubricating fluid inthe exemplary embodiment) and air at ambient pressure, like aconventional internal combustion (“IC”) engine.

The capability to use a rolling diaphragm and/or bellows seal with suchan extreme pressure across it depends on the interaction of severalparameters. Referring now to FIG. 76H, an illustration of the actualload on the rolling diaphragm or bellows material is shown. As shown,the load is a function of the pressure differential and the annular gaparea for the installed rolling diaphragm or bellows seal.

Region 1 represents the portions of the rolling diaphragm and/or bellowsthat are in contact with the walls formed by the piston and cylinder.The load is essentially a tensile load in the axial direction, due tothe pressure differential across the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows.This tensile load due to the pressure across the rolling diaphragmand/or bellows may be expressed as:

L_(t) = P_(d) * A_(a)

Where

L_(t)=Tensile Load and

P_(d)=Pressure Differential

A_(a)=Annular Area

and

A_(a) = p/4 * (D² − d²)

Where

D=Cylinder Bore and

d=Piston Diameter

The tensile component of stress in the bellows material may beapproximated as:

S_(t) = L_(t)/(p^(*)(D + d) * t_(b))

Which reduces to:

S_(t) = P_(d)/4 * (D − d)/tb

Later, we will show the relationship of radius of convolution, R_(c), toCylinder bore (D) and Piston Diameter (d) to be defined as:

R_(c) = (D − d)/4

So, this formula for St reduces to its final form:

S_(t) = P_(d) * R_(c)/t_(b)

Where

t_(b)=thickness of bellows material

Still referring to FIG. 76H, Region 2 represents the convolution. As therolling diaphragm and/or bellows material turns the corner, in theconvolution, the hoop stress imposed on the rolling diaphragm and/orbellows material may be calculated. For the section of the bellowsforming the convolution, the hoop component of stress may be closelyapproximated as:

S_(h) = P_(d) * R_(c)/t_(b)

The annular gap that the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows rolls withinis generally referred to as the convolution area. The rolling diaphragmand/or bellows fatigue life is generally limited by the combined stressfrom both the tensile (and hoop) load, due to pressure differential, aswell as the fatigue due to the bending as the fabric rolls through theconvolution. The radius that the fabric takes on during this ‘rolling’is defined here as the radius of convolution, Rc.

R_(c) = (D − d)/4

The bending stress, Sb, in the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows materialas it rolls through the radius of convolution, Rc, is a function of thatradius, as well as the thickness of the materials in bending. For afiber-reinforced material, the stress in the fibers themselves (duringthe prescribed deflection in the exemplary embodiments) is reduced asthe fiber diameter decreases. The lower resultant stress for the samelevel of bending allows for an increased fatigue life limit. As thefiber diameter is further reduced, flexibility to decrease the radius ofconvolution Rc is achieved, while keeping the bending stress in thefiber under its endurance limit. At the same time, as Rc decreases, thetensile load on the fabric is reduced since there is less unsupportedarea in the annulus between the piston and cylinder. The smaller thefiber diameter, the smaller the minimum Rc, the smaller the annulararea, which results in a higher allowable pressure differential.

For bending around a prescribed radius, the bending moment isapproximated by:

M = E * I/R

Where:

M=Bending Moment

E=Elastic Modulus

I=Moment of Inertia

R=Radius of Bend

Classical bending stress, S_(b), is calculated as:

S_(b) = M * Y/I

Where:

Y=Distance above neutral axis of bending

Substituting yields:

S_(b) = (E * I/R) * Y/I S_(b) = E * Y/R

Assuming bending is about a central neutral axis:

Y_(max) = t_(b)/2 S_(b) = E * t_(b)/(2 * R)

In some embodiments, rolling diaphragm and/or bellows designs for highcycle life are based on geometry where the bending stress imposed iskept about one order of magnitude less than the pressure-based loading(hoop and axial stresses). Based on the equation: Sb=E*tb/(2*R), it isclear that minimizing tb in direct proportion to Rc should not increasethe bending stress. The minimum thickness for the exemplary embodimentsof the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows material or membrane is directlyrelated to the minimum fiber diameter that is used in the reinforcementof the elastomer. The smaller the fibers used, the smaller resultant Rcfor a given stress level.

Another limiting component of load on the rolling diaphragm and/orbellows is the hoop stress in the convolution (which is theoreticallythe same in magnitude as the axial load while supported by the piston orcylinder). The governing equation for that load is as follows:

Sh = Pd * Rc/tb

Thus, if Rc is decreased in direct proportion to tb, then there is noincrease of stress on the membrane in this region. However, if thisratio is reduced in a manner that decreases Rc to a greater ratio thantb then parameters must be balanced. Thus, decreasing tb with respect toRc requires the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows to carry a heavierstress due to pressure, but makes for a reduced stress level due tobending. The pressure-based load is essentially constant, so this may befavorable—since the bending load is cyclic, therefore it is the bendingload component that ultimately limits fatigue life.

For bending stress reduction, tb ideally should be at a minimum, and Rcideally should be at a maximum. E ideally is also at a minimum. For hoopstress reduction, Rc ideally is small, and tb ideally is large.

Thus, the critical parameters for the rolling diaphragm and/or bellowsmembrane material are:

E, Elastic Modulus of the membrane material;

tb, membrane thickness (and/or fiber diameter);

Sut, Ultimate tensile strength of the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows;and

Slcf, The limiting fatigue strength of the rolling diaphragm and/orbellows.

Thus, from E, tb and Sut, the minimum acceptable Rc may be calculated.Next, using Rc, Slcf, and tb, the maximum Pd may be calculates. Rc maybe adjusted to shift the bias of load (stress) components between thesteady state pressure stress and the cyclic bending stress. Thus, theideal rolling diaphragm and/or bellows material is extremely thin,extremely strong in tension, and very limber in flexion.

Thus, in some embodiments, the rolling diaphragm and/or bellows material(sometimes referred to as a “membrane”), is made from carbon fibernanotubes. However, additional small fiber materials may also be used,including, but not limited to nanotube fibers that have been braided,nanotube untwisted yarn fibers, or any other conventional materials,including but not limited to KEVLAR, glass, polyester, synthetic fibersand any other material or fiber having a desirable diameter and/or otherdesired parameters as described in detail above.

8.6 Piston Seals and Piston Rod Seals

Referring now to FIG. 74G, an embodiment of the machine is shown whereinan engine 51326, such as a Stirling cycle engine, includes at least onepiston rod seal 51314, a piston seal 51324, and a piston guide ring51322, (shown as 51616 in FIG. 77). Various embodiments of the pistonseal 51324 and the piston guide ring 51322 are further discussed below,and in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2003/0024387 A1 to Langenfeldet al., Feb. 6, 2003 (now abandoned), which, as mentioned before, isincorporated by reference.

FIG. 77 shows a partial cross section of the piston 51600, driven alongthe central axis 51602 of cylinder, or the cylinder 51604. The pistonseal (shown as 51324 in FIG. 74G) may include a seal ring 51606, whichprovides a seal against the contact surface 51608 of the cylinder 51604.The contact surface 51608 is typically a hardened metal (preferably58-62 RC) with a surface finish of 12 RMS or smoother. The contactsurface 51608 may be metal which has been case hardened, such as 8260hardened steel, which may be easily case hardened and may be groundand/or honed to achieve a desired finish. The piston seal may alsoinclude a backing ring 51610, which is sprung to provide a thrust forceagainst the seal ring 51606 thereby providing sufficient contactpressure to ensure sealing around the entire outward surface of the sealring 51606. The seal ring 51606 and the backing ring 51610 may togetherbe referred to as a piston seal composite ring. In some embodiments, theat least one piston seal may seal off a warm portion of cylinder 51604from a cold portion of cylinder 51604.

Referring now to FIG. 78, some embodiments include a piston rod seal(shown as 51314 in FIG. 74G) mounted in the piston rod cylinder wall51700, which, in some embodiments, may include a seal ring 51706, whichprovides a seal against the contact surface 51708 of the piston rod51604 (shown as 51302 in FIG. 74G). The contact surface 51708 in someembodiments is a hardened metal (preferably 58-62 RC) with a surfacefinish of 12 RMS or smoother. The contact surface 51708 may be metalwhich has been case hardened, such as 58260 hardened steel, which may beeasily case hardened and may be ground and/or honed to achieve a desiredfinish. The piston seal may also include a backing ring 51710, which issprung to provide a radial or hoop force against the seal ring 51706thereby providing sufficient contact hoop stress to ensure sealingaround the entire inward surface of seal ring 51706. The seal ring 51706and the backing ring 51710 may together be referred to as a piston rodseal composite ring.

In some embodiments, the seal ring and the backing ring may bepositioned on a piston rod, with the backing exerting an outwardpressure on the seal ring, and the seal ring may come into contact witha piston rod cylinder wall 51702. These embodiments require a largerpiston rod cylinder length than the previous embodiment. This is becausethe contact surface on the piston rod cylinder wall 51702 will be longerthan in the previous embodiment, where the contact surface 51708 lies onthe piston rod itself. In yet another embodiment, piston rod seals maybe any functional seal known in the art including, but not limited to,an o-ring, a graphite clearance seal, graphite piston in a glasscylinder, or any air pot, or a spring energized lip seal. In someembodiments, anything having a close clearance may be used, in otherembodiments, anything having interference, for example, a seal, is used.In the exemplary embodiment, a spring energized lip seal is used. Anyspring energized lip seal may be used, including those made by BAL SEALEngineering, Inc., Foothill Ranch, Calif. In some embodiments, the sealused is a BAL SEAL Part Number X558604.

The material of the seal rings 51606 and 51706 is chosen by consideringa balance between the coefficient of friction of the seal rings 51606and 51706 against the contact surfaces 51608 and 51708, respectively,and the wear on the seal rings 51606 and 51706 it engenders. Inapplications in which piston lubrication is not possible, such as at thehigh operating temperatures of a Stirling cycle engine, the use ofengineering plastic rings is used. The embodiments of the compositioninclude a nylon matrix loaded with a lubricating and wear-resistantmaterial. Examples of such lubricating materials include PTFE/silicone,PTFE, graphite, etc. Examples of wear-resistant materials include glassfibers and carbon fibers. Examples of such engineering plastics aremanufactured by LNP Engineering Plastics, Inc. of Exton, Pa. Backingrings 51610 and 51710 is preferably metal.

The fit between the seal rings 51606 and 51706 and the seal ring grooves51612 and 51712, respectively, is preferably a clearance fit (about0.002″), while the fit of the backing rings 51610 and 51710 ispreferably a looser fit, of the order of about 0.005″ in someembodiments. The seal rings 51606 and 51706 provide a pressure sealagainst the contact surfaces 51608 and 51708, respectively, and also oneof the surfaces 51614 and 51714 of the seal ring grooves 51612 and51712, respectively, depending on the direction of the pressuredifference across the rings 51606 and 51706 and the direction of thepiston 51600 or the piston rod 51704 travel.

FIGS. 79A and 79B show that if the backing ring 51820 is essentiallycircularly symmetrical, but for the gap 51800, it will assume, uponcompression, an oval shape as shown by the dashed backing ring 51802.The result may be an uneven radial or hoop force (depicted by arrows51804) exerted on the seal ring (not shown, shown as 51606 and 51706 inFIGS. 77 and 78), and thus an uneven pressure of the seal rings againstthe contact surfaces (not shown, shown as 51608 and 51708 in FIGS. 77and 78) respectively, causing uneven wear of the seal rings and in somecases, failure of the seals.

A solution to the problem of uneven radial or hoop force exerted by thepiston seal backing ring 51820, in accordance with an embodiment, is abacking ring 51822 having a cross-section varying with circumferentialdisplacement from the gap 51800, as shown in FIGS. 79C and 79D. Atapering of the width of the backing ring 51822 is shown from theposition denoted by numeral 51806 to the position denoted by numeral51808. Also shown in FIGS. 79C and 79D is a lap joint 51810 providingfor circumferential closure of the seal ring 51606. As some seals willwear significantly over their lifetime, the backing ring 51822 shouldprovide an even pressure (depicted by numeral 51904 in FIG. 80B) of arange of movement. The tapered backing ring 51822 shown in FIGS. 79C and79D may provide this advantage.

FIGS. 80A and 80B illustrate another solution to the problem of unevenradial or hoop force of the piston seal ring against the pistoncylinder, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 80B,backing ring 51910 is fashioned in an oval shape, so that uponcompression within the cylinder, the ring assumes the circular shapeshown by dashed backing ring 51902. A constant contact pressure betweenthe seal ring and the cylinder contact surface may thus be provided byan even radial force 51904 of backing ring 51902, as shown in FIG. 80B.

A solution to the problem of uneven radial or hoop force exerted by thepiston rod seal backing ring, in accordance with some embodiments, is abacking ring 51824 having a cross-section varying with circumferentialdisplacement from gap 51812, as shown in FIGS. 79E and 79F. A taperingof the width of backing ring 51824 is shown from the position denoted bynumeral 51814 to the position denoted by numeral 51816. Also shown inFIGS. 79E and 79F is a lap joint 51818 providing for circumferentialclosure of seal ring 51706. As some seals will wear significantly overtheir lifetime, backing ring 51824 should provide an even pressure(depicted by numeral 52004 in FIG. 81B) of a range of movement. Thetapered backing ring 51824 shown in FIGS. 79E and 79F may provide thisadvantage.

FIGS. 81A and 81B illustrate another solution to the problem of unevenradial or hoop force of the piston rod seal ring against the piston rodcontact surface, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG.81A, backing ring (shown by dashed backing ring 52000) is fashioned asan oval shape, so that upon expansion within the cylinder, the ringassumes the circular shape shown by backing ring 52002. A constantcontact pressure between the seal ring 51706 and the cylinder contactsurface may thus be provided by an even radial thrust force 52004 ofbacking ring 52002, as shown in FIG. 81B.

Referring again to FIG. 77, at least one guide ring 51616 may also beprovided, in accordance with some embodiments, for bearing any side loadon piston 51600 as it moves up and down the cylinder 51604. Guide ring51616 is also preferably fabricated from an engineering plastic materialloaded with a lubricating material. A perspective view of guide ring51616 is shown in FIG. 82. An overlapping joint 52100 is shown and maybe diagonal to the central axis of guide ring 51616.

8.7 Lubricating Fluid Pump and Lubricating Fluid Passageways

Referring now to FIG. 83, a representative illustration of oneembodiment of the engine 52200 for the machine is shown having a rockingbeam drive 52202 and lubricating fluid 52204. In some embodiments, thelubricating fluid is oil. The lubricating fluid is used to lubricateengine parts in the crankcase 52206, such as hydrodynamic pressure fedlubricated bearings. Lubricating the moving parts of the engine 52200serves to further reduce friction between engine parts and furtherincrease engine efficiency and engine life. In some embodiments,lubricating fluid may be placed at the bottom of the engine, also knownas an oil sump, and distributed throughout the crankcase. Thelubricating fluid may be distributed to the different parts of theengine 52200 by way of a lubricating fluid pump, wherein the lubricatingfluid pump may collect lubricating fluid from the sump via a filteredinlet. In the exemplary embodiment, the lubricating fluid is oil andthus, the lubricating fluid pump is herein referred to as an oil pump.However, the term “oil pump” is used only to describe the exemplaryembodiment and other embodiments where oil is used as a lubricatingfluid, and the term shall not be construed to limit the lubricatingfluid or the lubricating fluid pump.

Referring now to FIGS. 84A and 84B, one embodiment of the engine isshown, wherein lubricating fluid is distributed to different parts ofthe engine 52200 that are located in the crankcase 52206 by a mechanicaloil pump 52208. The oil pump 52208 may include a drive gear 52210 and anidle gear 52212. In some embodiments, the mechanical oil pump 52208 maybe driven by a pump drive assembly. The pump drive assembly may includea drive shaft 52214 coupled to a drive gear 52210, wherein the driveshaft 52214 includes an intermediate gear 52216 thereon. Theintermediate gear 52216 is preferably driven by a crankshaft gear 52220,wherein the crankshaft gear 52220 is coupled to the primary crankshaft52218 of the engine 52200, as shown in FIG. 85. In this configuration,the crankshaft 52218 indirectly drives the mechanical oil pump 52208 viathe crankshaft gear 52220, which drives the intermediate gear 52216 onthe drive shaft 52214, which, in turn, drives the drive gear 52210 ofthe oil pump 52208.

The crankshaft gear 52220 may be positioned between the crankpins 52222and 52224 of crankshaft 52218 in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 85.In other embodiments, the crankshaft gear 52220 may be placed at an endof the crankshaft 52218, as shown in FIGS. 86A-86C.

For ease of manufacturing, the crankshaft 52218 may be composed of aplurality of pieces. In these embodiments, the crankshaft gear 52220 maybe to be inserted between the crankshaft pieces during assembly of thecrankshaft.

The drive shaft 52214, in some embodiments, may be positionedperpendicularly to the crankshaft 52218, as shown in FIGS. 84A and 84B.However, in some embodiments, the drive shaft 52214 may be positionedparallel to the crankshaft 52218, as shown in FIGS. 86B and 86C.

In some embodiments, the crankshaft gear 52234 and the intermediate gear52232 may be sprockets, wherein the crankshaft gear 52234 and theintermediate gear 52232 are coupled by a chain 52226, as shown in FIG.86C. In such an embodiments, the chain 52226 is used to drive a chaindrive pump (shown as 52600 in FIGS. 87A through 87C).

In some embodiments, the gear ratio between the crankshaft 52218 and thedrive shaft 52214 remains constant throughout operation. In such anembodiment, it is important to have an appropriate gear ratio betweenthe crankshaft and the drive shaft, such that the gear ratio balancesthe pump speed and the speed of the engine. This achieves a specifiedflow of lubricant required by a particular engine RPM (revolutions perminute) operating range.

In some embodiments, lubricating fluid is distributed to different partsof an engine by an electric pump. The electric pump eliminates the needfor a pump drive assembly, which is otherwise required by a mechanicaloil pump.

Referring back to FIGS. 84A and 84B, the oil pump 52208 may include aninlet 52228 to collect lubricating fluid from the sump and an outlet52230 to deliver lubricating fluid to the various parts of the engine.In some embodiments, the rotation of the drive gear 52212 and the idlegear 52210 cause the lubricating fluid from the sump to be drawn intothe oil pump through the inlet 52228 and forced out of the pump throughthe outlet 52230. The inlet 52228 preferably includes a filter to removeparticulates that may be found in the lubricating fluid prior to itsbeing drawn into the oil pump. In some embodiments, the inlet 52228 maybe connected to the sump via a tube, pipe, or hose. In some embodiments,the inlet 52228 may be in direct fluid communication with the sump.

In some embodiments, the oil pump outlet 52230 is connected to a seriesof passageways in the various engine parts, through which thelubricating fluid is delivered to the various engine parts. The outlet52230 may be integrated with the passageways so as to be in directcommunication with the passageways, or may be connected to thepassageways via a hose or tube, or a plurality of hoses or tubes. Theseries of passageways are preferably an interconnected network ofpassageways, so that the outlet 52230 may be connected to a singlepassageway inlet and still be able to deliver lubricating fluid to theengine's lubricated parts.

FIGS. 88A-88D show one embodiments, wherein the oil pump outlet (shownas 52230 in FIG. 84B) is connected to a passageway 52700 in the rockershaft 52702 of the rocking beam drive 52704. The rocker shaft passageway52700 delivers lubricating fluid to the rocker pivot bearings 52706, andis connected to and delivers lubricating fluid to the rocking beampassageways (not shown). The rocking beam passageways deliverlubricating fluid to the connecting wrist pin bearings 52708, the linkrod bearings 52710, and the link rod passageways 52712. The link rodpassageways 52712 deliver lubricating fluid to the piston rod couplingbearing 52714. The connecting rod passageway (not shown) of theconnecting rod 52720 delivers lubricating fluid to a first crank pin52722 and the crankshaft passageway 52724 of the crankshaft 52726. Thecrankshaft passageway 52724 delivers lubricating fluid to the crankshaftjournal bearings 52728, the second crank pin bearing 52730, and thespline shaft passageway 52732. The spline shaft passageway 52732delivers lubricating fluid to the spline shaft spline joints 52734 and52736. The oil pump outlet (not shown, shown in FIG. 84B as 52230) insome embodiments is connected to the main feed 52740. In someembodiments, an oil pump outlet may also be connected to and providelubricating fluid to the coupling joint linear bearings 52738. In someembodiments, an oil pump outlet may be connected to the linear bearings52738 via a tube or hose, or plurality of tubes or hoses. Alternatively,the link rod passageways 52712 may deliver lubricating fluid to thelinear bearings 52738.

Thus, the main feed 52740 delivers lubricating fluid to the journalbearings surfaces 52728. From the journal bearing surfaces 52728, thelubricating fluid is delivered to the crankshaft main passage. Thecrankshaft main passage delivers lubricating fluid to both the splineshaft passageway 52732 and the connecting rod bearing on the crank pin52724.

Lubricating fluid is delivered back to the sump, preferably by flowingout of the aforementioned bearings and into the sump. In the sump, thelubricating fluid will be collected by the oil pump and redistributedthroughout the engine.

8.8 Distribution

As described above, various embodiments of the system, methods andapparatus may advantageously provide a low-cost, easily maintained,highly efficient, portable, and failsafe system that may provide areliable source of drinking water for use in all environments regardlessof initial water quality. The system is intended to produce a continuousstream of potable or purified water, for drinking or medicalapplications, for example, on a personal or limited community scaleusing a portable power source and moderate power budget. As an example,in some embodiments, the water vapor distillation apparatus and/or watervending apparatus may be utilized to produce at least approximately 10gallons of water per hour on a power budget of approximately 500 watts.This may be achieved through a very efficient heat transfer process anda number of sub-system design optimizations.

The various embodiments of the water vapor distillation apparatus andwater vending apparatus may be powered by a battery, electricity sourceor by a generator, as described herein. The battery may be a stand alonebattery or could be connected to a motor transport apparatus, such as ascooter, any other motor vehicle, which some cases may be a hybrid motorvehicle or a battery powered vehicle.

In one embodiment, the system may be used in the developing world or ina remote village or remote living quarters. The system is especiallyadvantageous in communities with any one or more of the following, forexample (but not by limitation): unsafe water of any kind at any time,little to no water technical expertise for installation, unreliableaccess to replacement supplies, limited access to maintenance anddifficult operating environment.

The system acts to purify any input source and transform the inputsource to high-quality output, i.e., cleaner water. In some applicationsthe water vapor distillation apparatus may be in a community that doesnot have any municipal infrastructure to provide source water. Thus, inthese situations an embodiment of the water vapor distillation apparatusmay be capable of accepting source water having varying qualities ofpurity.

The system is also easy to install and operate. The water vapordistillation apparatus is designed to be an autonomous system. Thisapparatus may operate independently without having to be monitored byoperators. This is important because, in many of the locations where thewater vapor distillation apparatus may be installed and or utilized,mechanics may be rare or unreliable.

The system has minimal maintenance requirement. In the exemplaryembodiments, the system does not require any consumables and/ordisposables, thus, the system itself may be utilized for a period oftime absent replacing any elements or parts. This is important becausein many applications the water vapor distillation apparatus may belocated in a community that lacks people having technical expertise tomaintain mechanical devices such as the water vapor distillationapparatus. The system is also inexpensive, making it an option for anycommunity. In addition, the water vapor distillation apparatus may beused in any community where clean drinking water is not readily orsufficiently available. For example, communities that have both autility to provide electricity to operate the water vapor distillationdevice and municipal water to supply the apparatus.

Thus, the water vapor distillation apparatus may be used in communitiesthat may have a utility grid for supply electricity but no cleandrinking water. Conversely, the community may have municipal water thatis not safe and no utility grid to supply electricity. In theseapplications, the water vapor distillation apparatus may be poweredusing devices including, but not limited to a Stirling engine, aninternal combustion engine, a generator, batteries or solar panels.Sources of water may include but are not limited to local streams,rivers, lakes, ponds, or wells, as well as, the ocean.

In communities that have no infrastructure the challenge is to locate awater source and be able to supply power to operate the water vapordistillation apparatus. As previously discussed, the water vapordistillation apparatus may be power using several types of devices.

In this type of situation one likely place to install a water vapordistillation apparatus may be in the community clinic or health centers.These places typically have some form of power source and are accessibleto the most members of the community.

Again, as described herein, sources of electricity may include aStirling engine. This type of engine is well suited for application inthe water machine because the engine provides a sufficient amount ofelectrical power to operate the machine without significantly affectingthe size of the machine.

The water vapor distillation apparatus may supply approximately between50 and 250 people per day with water. In the exemplary embodiment, theoutput is 30 liters per hour. This production rate is suitable for asmall village or community's needs. The energy needs includeapproximately 900 Watts. Thus, the energy requirements are minimal topower the water vapor distillation apparatus. This low power requirementis suitable to a small/remote village or community. Also, in someembodiments, a standard outlet is suitable as the electrical source. Theweight of the water vapor distillation apparatus is approximately 90 Kg,in the exemplary embodiment, and the size (H×D×W)—160 cm×50 cm×50 cm.

Knowledge of operating temperatures, TDS, and fluid flows providesinformation to allow production of potable water under a wide range ofambient temperatures, pressures, and dissolved solid content of thesource water. One particular embodiment may utilize a control methodwhereby such measurements (T, P, TDS, flow rates, etc) are used inconjunction with a simple algorithm and look-up table allowing anoperator or computer controller to set operating parameters for optimumperformance under existing ambient conditions.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated as part of asystem for distributing water. Within this system may include amonitoring system. This monitoring system may include, but is notlimited to having an input sensor for measuring one or morecharacteristics of the input to the generation device and an outputsensor for measuring consumption or other characteristic of output fromthe generation device. The monitoring system may have a controller forconcatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis ofthe input and output sensors.

Where the generation device of a particular utility of a network is awater vapor distillation apparatus, the input sensor may be a flow ratemonitor. Moreover, the output sensor may be a water quality sensorincluding one or more of torpidity, conductivity, and temperaturesensors.

The monitoring system may also have a telemetry module for communicatingmeasured input and output parameters to a remote site, either directlyor via an intermediary device such as a satellite, and, moreover, thesystem may include a remote actuator for varying operating parameters ofthe generator based on remotely received instructions. The monitoringsystem may also have a self-locating device, such as a GPS receiver,having an output indicative of the location of the monitoring system. Inthat case, characteristics of the measured input and output may dependupon the location of the monitoring system.

The monitoring system described above may be included within adistributed network of utilities providing sources of purified water.The distributed network has devices for generating water using inputsensors for measuring inputs to respective generators, output sensor formeasuring consumption of output from respective generators, and atelemetry transmitter for transmitting input and output parameters of aspecified generator. Finally, the distributed network may have a remoteprocessor for receiving input and output parameters from a plurality ofutility generators.

Referring now to FIG. 55, this figure depicts monitoring generationdevice 4202. Generation device 4202 may be a water vapor distillationapparatus as disclosed herein. Generation device 4202 may typically becharacterized by a set of parameters that describe its current operatingstatus and conditions. Such parameters may include, without limitation,its temperature, its input or output flux, etc., and may be subject tomonitoring by means of sensors, as described in detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 55, source water enters the generation device4202 at inlet 4204 and leaves the generation device at outlet 4206. Theamount of source water 4208 entering generation device 4202 and theamount of purified water 4210 leaving generation device 4202 may bemonitored through the use of one or more of a variety of sensorscommonly used to determine flow rate, such as sensors for determiningthem temperature and pressure or a rotometer, located at inlet sensormodule 4212 and/or at outlet sensor module 4214, either on a per eventor cumulative basis. Additionally, the proper functioning of thegeneration device 4202 may be determined by measuring the turpidity,conductivity, and/or temperature at the outlet sensor module 4214 and/orthe inlet sensor module 4212. Other parameters, such as system usagetime or power consumption, either per event or cumulatively, may also bedetermined. A sensor may be coupled to an alarm or shut off switch thatmay be triggered when the sensor detects a value outside apre-programmed range.

When the location of the system is known, either through direct input ofthe system location or by the use of a GPS location detector, additionalwater quality tests may be run based on location, including checks forknown local water contaminates, utilizing a variety of detectors, suchas antibody chip detectors or cell-based detectors. The water qualitysensors may detect an amount of contaminates in water. The sensors maybe programmed to sound an alarm if the water quality value rises above apre-programmed water quality value. The water quality value is themeasured amount of contaminates in the water. Alternatively, a shut offswitch may turn off the generation device if the water quality valuerises about a pre-programmed water quality value.

Further, scale build-up in the generation device 4202, if any, may bedetermined by a variety of methods, including monitoring the heattransfer properties of the system or measuring the flow impedance. Avariety of other sensors may be used to monitor a variety of othersystem parameters.

Still referring to FIG. 55, the sensors described above may be used tomonitor and/or record the various parameters described above onboard thegeneration device 4202, or in an alternative embodiment the generationdevice 4202 may be equipped with a communication system 4214, such as acellular communication system. The communication system 4214 could be aninternal system used solely for communication between the generationdevice 4202 and the monitoring station 4216. Alternatively, thecommunication system 4214 could be a cellular communication system thatincludes a cellular telephone for general communication through acellular satellite system 4218. The communication system 4214 may alsoemploy wireless technology such as the Bluetooth open specification. Thecommunication system 4214 may additionally include a GPS (GlobalPositioning System) locator.

Still referring to FIG. 55, the communication system 4214 enables avariety of improvements to the generation device 4202, by enablingcommunication with a monitoring station 4216. For example, themonitoring station 4216 may monitor the location of the generationdevice 4202 to ensure that use in an intended location by an intendeduser. Additionally, the monitoring station 4216 may monitor the amountof water and/or electricity produced, which may allow the calculation ofusage charges. Additionally, the determination of the amount of waterand/or electricity produced during a certain period or the cumulativehours of usage during a certain period, allows for the calculation of apreventative maintenance schedule. If it is determined that amaintenance call is required, either by the calculation of usage or bythe output of any of the sensors used to determine water quality, themonitoring station 4216 may arrange for a maintenance visit. In the casethat a GPS (Global Positioning System) locator is in use, monitoringstation 4216 may determine the precise location of the generation device4202 to better facilitate a maintenance visit. The monitoring station4216 may also determine which water quality or other tests are mostappropriate for the present location of the generation device 4202. Thecommunication system 4214 may also be used to turn the generation device4202 on or off, to pre-heat the device prior to use, or to deactivatethe system in the event the system is relocated without advance warning,such as in the event of theft.

Now referring to FIG. 56, the use of the monitoring and communicationsystem described above facilitates the use of a variety of utilitydistribution systems. An organization 43, such as a Government agency,non-governmental agency (NGO), or privately funded relief organization,a corporation, or a combination of these, could provide distributedutilities, such as safe drinking water or electricity, to a geographicalor political area, such as an entire country. The organization 43 maythen establish local distributors 44A, 44B, and 44C. These localdistributors could preferably be a monitoring station 4216 (See FIG. 55)previously described. In one possible arrangement, organization 43 couldprovide some number of generation devices 4202 (See FIG. 55) to thelocal distributor 44, etc. In another possible arrangement, theorganization 43 could sell, loan, or make other financial arrangementsfor the distribution of the generation devices 4202 (See FIG. 55). Thelocal distributor 44, etc. could then either give these generationdevices to operators 45, etc., or provide the generation devices 4202(See FIG. 55) to the operators though some type of financialarrangement, such as a sale or micro-loan.

Still referring to FIG. 56, the operator 45 could then providedistributed utilities to a village center, school, hospital, or othergroup at or near the point of water access. In one exemplary embodiment,when the generation device 4202 (See FIG. 55) is provided to theoperator 45 by means of a micro-loan, the operator 45 could charge theend users on a per-unit bases, such as per watt hour in the case ofelectricity or per liter in the case of purified water. Either the localdistributor 44 or the organization 43 may monitor usage and otherparameters using one of the communication systems described above. Thedistributor 44 or the organization 43 could then recoup some of the costof the generation device 45 (See FIG. 55) or effect repayment of themicro-loan by charging the operator 4312 for some portion of theper-unit charges, such as 50%. The communication systems describedadditionally may be used to deactivate the generation device 4202 (SeeFIG. 55) if the generation device is relocated outside of a pre-set areaor if payments are not made in a timely manner. This type of adistribution system may allow the distribution of needed utilitiesacross a significant area quickly, while then allowing for at least thepartial recoupment of funds, which, for example, could then be used todevelop a similar system in another area.

Now referring to FIG. 57, this figure illustrates a conceptual flowdiagram of one possible way to incorporate another embodiment of thewater vapor distillation apparatus into a system. In an embodiment ofthis type, fluid flows through the system from an intake 4404 into anexchanger 4406 wherein exchanger 4406 receives heat from at least one ofa plurality of sources including a condenser 4402, a head 4408, andexhaust (not shown) from a power source such as an internal or externalcombustion engine. Fluid continues flowing past heat exchanger 4406 intoa sump 4410 and into a core 4412 in thermal contact with condenser 4402.In the core 4412, the fluid is partially vaporized. From core 4412, thevapor path proceeds into head 4408 in communication with a compressor4414, and from there into condenser 4402. After the vapor has condensed,fluid proceeds from condenser 4402 through heat exchanger 4406, andfinally into an exhaust region 4416 and then out as final distilledproduct.

Referring to FIGS. 57 and 57A, a power source 4418 may be used to powerthe overall system. Power source 4418 may be coupled to a motor (notshown) that is used to drive compressor 4414, particularly whencompressor 4414 is a steam pump, such as a liquid ring pump or aregenerative blower. The power source 4418 may also be used to provideelectrical energy to the other elements of the apparatus shown in FIG.57. Power source 4418 may be, for example, an electrical outlet, astandard internal combustion (IC) generator or an external combustiongenerator. In one exemplary embodiment, the power source is a Stirlingcycle engine. An IC generator and an external combustion generatoradvantageously produce both power and thermal energy as shown in FIG.57A, where engine 4420 produces both mechanical and thermal energy.Engine 4420 may be either an internal combustion engine or an externalcombustion engine. A generator 4422, such as a permanent magnetbrushless motor, is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine 4420 andconverts the mechanical energy produced by the engine 4420 to electricalenergy, such as power 4424. Engine 4420 also produces exhaust gases 4426and heat 4428. The thermal energy produced by the engine 4420 in theform of exhaust gas 4426 and heat 4428 may be advantageously used toprovide heat to the system.

Referring to FIG. 57, heat from a power source 4418 may be recaptured bychanneling the exhaust into the insulated cavity that surrounds theapparatus, which may lie between external housing and the individualapparatus components. In one embodiment, exhaust may blow across afinned heat exchanger that heats source fluid prior to entering theevaporator/condenser 4402. In other embodiments, the source fluid flowspast a tube-in-tube heat exchanger as described above with reference tothe exemplary embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 89A, one embodiment of the system is shown. Thesystem includes two basic functional components that may be combinedwithin a single integral unit or may be capable of separate operationand coupled as described herein for the purpose of local waterpurification. FIG. 89A depicts an of the system in which a power unit528010 is coupled electrically, via cable 528014, to provide electricalpower to a water vapor distillation apparatus 528012, with exhaust gasfrom the power unit 528010 coupled to convey heat to the waterdistillation unit 528012 via an exhaust duct 528016.

In the exemplary embodiment, the power unit 528010 is a Stirling cycleengine. The Stirling cycle engine may be any of the embodimentsdescribed herein. Thermal cycle engines are limited, by second law ofthermodynamics, to a fractional efficiency, i.e., a Carnot efficiency of(TH−TC)/TH, where TH and TC are the temperatures of the available heatsource and ambient thermal background, respectively. During thecompression phase of a heat engine cycle, heat must be exhausted fromthe system in a manner not entirely reversible, thus there will alwaysbe a surfeit of exhaust heat. More significantly, moreover, not all theheat provided during the expansion phase of the heat engine cycle iscoupled into the working fluid. Here, too, exhaust heat is generatedthat may be used advantageously for other purposes. The total heatthermodynamically available (i.e., in gas hotter than the ambientenvironment) in the burner exhaust is typically on the order of 10% ofthe total input power. For a power unit delivering on the order of akilowatt of electrical power, as much as 700 W of heat may be availablein an exhaust stream of gas at temperatures in the vicinity of 200° C.In accordance with embodiments of the present apparatus, system andmethods, the exhaust heat, as well as the electrical power generated byan engine-powered generator, are used in the purification of water forhuman consumption, thereby advantageously providing an integrated systemto which only raw water and a fuel need be provided.

Moreover, external combustion engines, such as Stirling cycle engines,are capable of providing high thermal efficiency and low emission ofpollutants, when such methods are employed as efficient pumping ofoxidant (typically, air, and, referred to herein and in any appendedclaims, without limitation, as “air”) through the burner to providecombustion, and the recovery of hot exhaust leaving the heater head. Inmany applications, air is pre-heated, prior to combustion, nearly to thetemperature of the heater head, so as to achieve the stated objectivesof thermal efficiency. However, the high temperature of preheated air,desirable for achieving high thermal efficiency, complicates achievinglow-emission goals by making it difficult to premix the fuel and air andby requiring large amounts of excess air in order to limit the flametemperature. Technology directed toward overcoming these difficulties inorder to achieve efficient and low-emission operation of thermal enginesis described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,023 (Kerwin, et al.)issued May 16, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.

External combustion engines are, additionally, conducive to the use of awide variety of fuels, including those most available under particularlocal circumstances; however the teachings of the present descriptionare not limited to such engines, and internal combustion engines arealso within the scope of the current disclosure. Internal combustionengines, however, impose difficulties due to the typically pollutednature of the exhausted gases, and external combustion engines arepreferably employed.

Still referring to FIG. 89A, an embodiment of a power unit 528010 isshown schematically in FIG. 89B. Power unit 528010 includes an externalcombustion engine 528101 coupled to a generator 528102. In an exemplaryembodiment, the external combustion engine 528101 is a Stirling cycleengine. The outputs of the Stirling cycle engine 528101 during operationinclude both mechanical energy and residual heat energy. Heat producedin the combustion of a fuel in a burner 528104 is applied as an input tothe Stirling cycle engine 528101, and partially converted to mechanicalenergy. The unconverted heat or thermal energy accounts forapproximately 65 to 85% of the energy released in the burner 528104. Theranges given herein are approximations and the ranges may vary dependingon the embodiment of water vapor distillation apparatus used in thesystem and the embodiment of the Stirling engine (or other generator)used in the system.

This heat is available to provide heating to the local environmentaround the power unit 528110 in two forms: a smaller flow of exhaust gasfrom the burner 528104 and a much larger flow of heat rejected at thecooler 528103 of the Stirling engine. Power unit 528110 may also bereferred to as an auxiliary power unit (APU). The exhaust gases arerelatively hot, typically 100 to 300° C., and represent 10 to 20% of thethermal energy produced by the Stirling engine 528101. The coolerrejects 80 to 90% of the thermal energy at 10 to 20° C. above theambient temperature. The heat is rejected to either a flow of water or,more typically, to the air via a radiator 528107. Stirling cycle engine528101 is preferably of a size such that power unit 528010 istransportable.

As shown in FIG. 89B, Stirling engine 528101 is powered directly by aheat source such as burner 528104. Burner 528104 combusts a fuel toproduce hot exhaust gases which are used to drive the Stirling engine528101. A burner control unit 528109 is coupled to the burner 528104 anda fuel canister 528110. Burner control unit 528109 delivers a fuel fromthe fuel canister 528110 to the burner 528104. The burner controller528109 also delivers a measured amount of air to the burner 528104 toadvantageously ensure substantially complete combustion. The fuelcombusted by burner 528104 is preferably a clean burning andcommercially available fuel such as propane. A clean burning fuel is afuel that does not contain large amounts of contaminants, the mostimportant being sulfur. Natural gas, ethane, propane, butane, ethanol,methanol and liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) are all clean burning fuelswhen the contaminants are limited to a few percent. One example of acommercially available propane fuel is HD-5, an industry grade definedby the Society of Automotive Engineers and available from Bernzomatic.In accordance with an embodiment of the system, and as discussed in moredetail below, the Stirling engine 528101 and burner 528104 providesubstantially complete combustion in order to provide high thermalefficiency as well as low emissions. The characteristics of highefficiency and low emissions may advantageously allow use of power unit528010 indoors.

Generator 528102 is coupled to a crankshaft (not shown) of Stirlingengine 528101. It should be understood to one of ordinary skill in theart that the term generator encompasses the class of electric machinessuch as generators wherein mechanical energy is converted to electricalenergy or motors wherein electrical energy is converted to mechanicalenergy. The generator 528102 is preferably a permanent magnet brushlessmotor. A rechargeable battery 528113 provides starting power for thepower unit 528010 as well as direct current (“DC”) power to a DC poweroutput 528112. In a further embodiment, APU 528010 also advantageouslyprovides alternating current (“AC”) power to an AC power output 528114.An inverter 528116 is coupled to the battery 528113 in order to convertthe DC power produced by battery 528113 to AC power. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 89B, the battery 528113, inverter 528116 and AC poweroutput 528114 are disposed within an enclosure 528120.

Utilization of the exhaust gas generated in the operation of power unit528010 is now described with reference to the schematic depiction of anembodiment of the system shown in FIG. 89B. Burner exhaust is directedthrough a heat conduit 528016 into enclosure 528504 of the water vapordistillation apparatus unit designated generally by numeral 528012. Heatconduit 528016 is preferably a hose that may be plastic or corrugatedmetal surrounded by insulation, however all means of conveying exhaustheat from power unit 528010 to water purification unit 528012 are withinthe scope of the system. The exhaust gas, designated by arrow 528502,blows across a heat exchanger 528506 (in the exemplary embodiment, ahose-in-hose heat exchanger is used, in other embodiments, a finned heatexchanger is used), thereby heating the source water stream 528508 as ittravels to the water vapor distillation (which is also referred toherein as a “still”) evaporator 528510. The hot gas 528512 that fillsthe volume surrounded by insulated enclosure 528504 essentially removesall thermal loss from the still system since the gas temperature withinthe insulated cavity is hotter than surface 528514 of the still itself.Thus, there is substantially no heat flow from the still to the ambientenvironment, and losses on the order of 75 W for a still of 10gallon/hour capacity are thereby recovered. A microswitch 528518 sensesthe connection of hose 528016 coupling hot exhaust to purification unit528012 so that operation of the unit may account for the influx of hotgas.

In accordance with alternate embodiments adding heat to exhaust stream528502 is within the scope of the system, whether through addition of apost-burner (not shown) or using electrical power for ohmic heating.

During initial startup of the system, power unit 528010 is activated,providing both electrical power and hot exhaust. Warm-up of the still528012 is significantly accelerated since the heat exchanger 528506 isinitially below the dew point of the moisture content of the exhaust,since the exhaust contains water as a primary combustion product. Theheat of vaporization of this water content is available to heat sourcewater as the water condenses on the fins of the heat exchanger. The heatof vaporization supplements heating of the heat exchanger by convectionof hot gas within the still cavity. For example, in the fin heatexchanger embodiment, heating of the fins by convection continues evenafter the fins reach the dew point of the exhaust.

In accordance with other embodiments of the system, power unit 528010and still 528012 may be further integrated by streaming water from thestill through the power unit for cooling purposes. The use of sourcewater for cooling presents problems due to the untreated nature of thewater. Whereas using the product water requires an added complexity ofthe system to allow for cooling of the power unit before the still haswarmed up to full operating conditions.

Referring again to FIG. 57, other embodiments may include the use ofadditives in solid form, wherein such additives could be embedded in atime-release matrix inserted into the flow-through channel of intake4404. In one particular embodiment, replacement additive would need tobe inserted periodically by the user. In yet another embodiment, apowder form of an additive could be added in a batch system wherein thepowder is added, for example in tablet form, to an external reservoircontaining water to be purified wherein the additive is uniformly mixed,similar to the batch system for adding liquid additives described above.

Still referring to FIG. 57, pre-treatment of the source water may occurprior to or within intake 4404. Pre-treatment operations may include,but is not limited to gross-filtering; treatment with chemical additivessuch as polyphosphates, polyacetates, organic acids, or polyaspartates;and electrochemical treatment such as an oscillating magnetic field oran electrical current; degassing; and UV treatment. Additives may beadded in liquid form to the incoming liquid stream using a continuouspumping mechanism such as a roller pump or pulsatile pump, including astandard diaphragm pump or piezoelectric diaphragm pump. Alternatively,the additives may be added by a semi-continuous mechanism using, forexample, a syringe pump, which would require a re-load cycle, or a batchpumping system, wherein a small volume of the additive would be pumpedinto a holding volume or reservoir external to the system that uniformlymixes the additive with the liquid before the liquid flows into thesystem. It is also envisioned that the user could simply drop aprescribed volume of the additive into, for example, a bucket containingthe liquid to be purified. Liquid additive may be loaded as either alifetime quantity (i.e., no consumables for the life of the machine), oras a disposable amount requiring re-loading after consumption.

Still referring to FIG. 57, similarly post-treatment of the productwater may occur preferably within an external output region (not shown).Post-treatment operations may include, but is not limit to tasteadditives such as sugar-based additives for sweetening, acids fortartness, and minerals. Other additives, including nutrients, vitamins,stabilized proteins such as creatinine, and fats, and sugars may also beadded. Such additives may be added either in liquid or solid form,whether as a time-release tablet through which the output liquid flowsor a powder added to an external reservoir such as through a batchsystem. Alternatively, the additive may be added to the output liquidvia an internal coating of a separate collection reservoir or container,for example, by leaching or dissolution on contact. In such embodiments,the ability to detect purified liquid with and without the additive maybe preferred. Detection systems in accordance with various embodimentsinclude pH analysis, conductivity and hardness analysis, or otherstandard electrical-based assays. Such detection systems allow forreplacement of additives, as needed, by triggering a signal mechanismwhen the additive level/quantity is below a pre-set level, or isundetectable.

In another embodiment, liquid characteristics, such as for example waterhardness, is monitored in the output and may be coupled with anindicator mechanism which signals that it is preferable to addappropriate additives.

In yet another embodiment, ozone is systemically generated using, forexample, electric current or discharge methods, and added to the outputproduct for improved taste. Alternatively, air may be pumped through aHEPA filter bubbling through the product water to improve palatabilityof the water.

Similarly, it is envisioned that other embodiments may include means fordetecting nucleic acids, antigens and bio-organisms such as bacteria.Examples of such detection means include nanoscale chemistry andbiochemistry micro-arrays known in the field and currently commerciallyavailable. Such arrays may also be used to monitor the presence and/orabsence of nutrients and other additives in the purified product, asdiscussed above.

9. Remote Monitoring of Entire System

In various embodiments it may be possible to remotely monitor andcontrol the vending apparatus. It may be possible to remotely monitorthe power source, which, in some embodiments, may be a Stirling cyclegenerator, and the vending device. In some embodiments, the remotemonitoring system may track vending information such as, but not limitedto, a usage profile, the amount of water dispensed daily, thenutraceuticals and/or flavorings and/or other additives dispensed; ifthe water runs out or if it remains full at the end of the day,information about system errors or out of specification performance ofthe system, etc. This information may be used to remotely change theproduction rate of the vending apparatus and/or the supply ofnutraceuticals and/or flavoring and/or other additives, as toaccommodate the water usage in the area. In some embodiments, if thevending apparatus uses an alternate power source as a primary powersource and has a Stirling cycle generator as an alternate source, if theprimary power source terminates, the monitoring system may send a signalto remotely begin the Stirling generator to continue to produce waterthrough the vending machine. Alternately, if the Stirling cyclegenerator is the primary power source and the user has not paid for useof the vending apparatus for an extended time, a signal may be sent toturn off the Stirling cycle generator and end production of water untilthe user pays for the service.

Using the remote monitoring system, blowdown flow rate, waterconsumption, production and efficiency may be monitored as well. In someembodiments, after monitoring the blowdown and productionconductivities, the data may show the blowdown is larger than necessaryand may decrease the amount of blowdown from the device thereforedecreasing the amount of source water used through this remotemonitoring system. The system may also monitor the information aboutforming the vessels if the embodiment implementing the bottle formingprocess along with the remote monitoring of the system.

When a vending apparatus includes additives and mixing chambers, theadditives may need to be monitored to inform users if the additives needreplacement. This remote monitoring system may monitor additive levelsand inform users prior to complete depletion of the additive that theadditive needs replacement.

The remote monitoring may send signals on general health of theapparatus, such as the temperature of the purification system, thepressure used in purification, the power used in the device, quality ofproduct water, flow rate, etc.

10. Remote Monitoring System

The various embodiments of the water vapor distillation apparatusdescribed above may, in some embodiment, contain a monitoring system fordistributed utilities (also may be referred to as a remote monitoringsystem). In the exemplary embodiment, the remote monitoring system is amonitoring system described in pending U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.US 2007/0112530 published May 17, 2007 entitled “Systems and Methods forDistributed Utilities,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

10.1 Monitoring

Referring first to FIG. 29, preferred embodiments provide for monitoringgeneration device 10. Generation device 10 may be any distributedutility generation device, such as a water purification system, anelectrical generator, or other utility generation device, or acombination of these. Generation device 10 may typically becharacterized by a set of parameters that describe its current operatingstatus and conditions. Such parameters may include, without limitation,its temperature, its input or output flux, etc., and may be subject tomonitoring by means of sensors, as described in detail below.

In the case in which generation device 10 is a water purificationdevice, source water enters the generation device 10 at inlet 22 andleaves the generation device at outlet 12. The amount of source water 25entering generation device 10 and the amount of purified water 13leaving generation device 10 may be monitored through the use of one ormore of a variety of sensors commonly used to determine flow rate, suchas sensors for determining them temperature and pressure or a rotometer,located at inlet sensor module 21 and/or at outlet sensor module 11,either on a per event or cumulative basis. Additionally, the properfunctioning of the generation device 10 may be determined by measuringthe turpidity, conductivity, and/or temperature at the outlet sensormodule 11 and/or the inlet sensor module 21. Other parameters, such assystem usage time or power consumption, either per event orcumulatively, may also be determined. A sensor may be coupled to analarm or shut off switch that may be triggered when the sensor detects avalue outside a pre-programmed range.

When the location of the system is known, either through direct input ofthe system location or by the use of a GPS location detector, additionalwater quality tests may be run based on location, including checks forknown local water contaminates, utilizing a variety of detectors, suchas antibody chip detectors or cell-based detectors. The water qualitysensors may detect an amount of contaminates in water. The sensors maybe programmed to sound an alarm if the water quality value rises above apre-programmed water quality value. The water quality value is themeasured amount of contaminates in the water. Alternatively, a shut offswitch may turn off the generation device if the water quality valuerises about a pre-programmed water quality value.

Further, scale build-up in the generation device 10, if any, may bedetermined by a variety of methods, including monitoring the heattransfer properties of the system or measuring the flow impedance. Avariety of other sensors may be used to monitor a variety of othersystem parameters.

In the case in which generation device 10 is an electrical generator,either alone or in combination with a water purification device or otherdevice, fuel enters the generation device from a tank, pipe, or othermeans through fuel inlet 24. The amount of fuel consumed by generationdevice 10 may be determined through the use of a fuel sensor 23, such asa flow sensor. Electricity generated, or in the case of a combinedelectrical generator and water purification device, excess electricitygenerated may be accessed through electricity outlet 15. The amount ofelectricity used, either per event of cumulatively, may be determined byoutlet sensor module 14. A variety of other sensors may be used tomonitor a variety of other system parameters.

In either of the cases described above, input sensor modules 21 and 23as well as output sensor modules 11 and 14 may be coupled to acontroller 1, electrically or otherwise, in order to process,concatenate, store, or communicate the output values of the respectivesensor modules as now described in the following section.

10.2 Communications

The sensors described above may be used to monitor and/or record thevarious parameters described above onboard the generation device 10, orin an alternative embodiment, the generation device 10 may be equippedwith a communication system 17, such as a cellular communication system.The communication system 17 could be an internal system used solely forcommunication between the generation device 10 and the monitoringstation 20.

Alternatively, the communication system 17 could be a cellularcommunication system that includes a cellular telephone for generalcommunication through a cellular satellite system 19. The communicationsystem 17 may also employ wireless technology such as the Bluetooth®open specification. The communication system 17 may additionally includea GPS (Global Positioning System) locator.

Communication system 17 enables a variety of improvements to thegeneration device 10, by enabling communication with a monitoringstation 20. For example, the monitoring station 20 may monitor thelocation of the generation device 10 to ensure that use in an intendedlocation by an intended user. Additionally, the monitoring station 20may monitor the amount of water and/or electricity produced, which mayallow the calculation of usage charges. Additionally, the determinationof the amount of water and/or electricity produced during a certainperiod or the cumulative hours of usage during a certain period, allowsfor the calculation of a preventative maintenance schedule. If it isdetermined that a maintenance call is required, either by thecalculation of usage or by the output of any of the sensors used todetermine water quality, the monitoring station 20 may arrange for amaintenance visit. In the case that a GPS (Global Positioning System)locator is in use, monitoring station 20 may determine the preciselocation of the generation device 10 to better facilitate a maintenancevisit. The monitoring station 20 may also determine which water qualityor other tests are most appropriate for the present location of thegeneration device 10. The communication system 17 may also be used toturn the generation device 10 on or off, to pre-heat the device prior touse, or to deactivate the system in the event the system is relocatedwithout advance warning, such as in the event of theft.

This information may be advantageously monitored through the use of aweb-based utility monitoring system, such as those produced by TeletrolSystems, Inc. of Manchester, N.H.

10.3 Distribution

The use of the monitoring and communication system described abovefacilitates the use of a variety of utility distribution systems. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 30, an organization 30, such as aGovernment agency, non-governmental agency (NGO), or privately fundedrelief organization, a corporation, or a combination of these, couldprovide distributed utilities, such as safe drinking water orelectricity, to a geographical or political area, such as an entirecountry. The organization 30 may then establish local distributors 31A,31B, and 31C. These local distributors could preferably be a monitoringstation 20 described above. In one possible arrangement, organization 30could provide some number of generation devices 10 to the localdistributor 31A, etc. In another possible arrangement, the organization30 could sell, loan, or make other financial arrangements for thedistribution of the generation devices 10. The local distributor 31A,etc. could then either give these generation devices to operators 32A,32B, etc., or provide the generation devices 10 to the operators thoughsome type of financial arrangement, such as a sale or micro-loan.

The operator 32 could then provide distributed utilities to a villagecenter, school, hospital, or other group at or near the point of wateraccess. In one preferred embodiment, when the generation device 10 isprovided to the operator 32 by means of a micro-loan, the operator 32could charge the end users on a per-unit basis, such as per watt hour inthe case of electricity or per liter in the case of purified water.Either the local distributor 31 or the organization 30 may monitor usageand other parameters using one of the communication systems describedabove. The distributor 31 or the organization 30 could then recoup someof the cost of the generation device 10 or effect repayment of themicro-loan by charging the operator 32 for some portion of the per-unitcharges, such as 50%. The communication systems described additionallymay be used to deactivate the generation device 10 if the generationdevice is relocated outside of a pre-set area or if payments are notmade in a timely manner. This type of a distribution system may allowthe distribution of needed utilities across a significant area quickly,while then allowing for at least the partial recoupment of funds, which,for example, could then be used to develop a similar system in anotherarea.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope ofthe present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water vending system comprising: a water vapordistillation apparatus; a dispensing device, wherein the dispensingdevice is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillationapparatus and whereby product water from the fluid vapor distillationapparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device; a programmable logiccontroller; a primary tank receiving water from the water vapordistillation apparatus; a secondary tank receiving water from theprimary tank and located above the dispensing device; and an air flowconduit between the primary tank and the secondary tank.
 2. The watervending system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device comprises anozzle, the nozzle receives water from the secondary tank and thereceived water is gravity fed.
 3. The water vending system of claim 1,wherein the second tank is open to atmosphere via an air intake with anair filter.
 4. The water vending system of claim 3, wherein the airfilter is a HEPA filter.
 5. The water vending system of claim 1, whereinthe dispensing device comprises a first fill station and a second fillstation, each fill station including a container support, water nozzleand a proximity sensor, and the first station is sized to acceptcontainers too large for second station.
 6. The water vending system ofclaim 1, further comprising a housing containing part of the dispensingdevice, the primary tank, the secondary tank and a transparent sectionthat allowing visual access to the secondary tank.
 7. The water vendingsystem of claim 1 further comprising a fill pump wherein the fill pumppumps water from the primary tank to the secondary tank.
 8. The watervending system of claim 1 further comprising an ultraviolet sterilizercoupled to a fluid path between the secondary tank and the nozzleassembly.
 9. The water vending system of claim 7 further comprising achiller tank that may receive water from the primary tank and providewater to the dispensing device and a pump to move to or from the chillertank.
 10. A water vending system comprising: a water vapor distillationapparatus; a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device is influid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus andwhereby product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus isdispensed by the dispensing device; a programmable logic controller; aprimary tank receiving water from the water vapor distillationapparatus; a secondary tank receiving water from the primary tank via afirst fluid path; a UV sterilizer coupled to a first fluid path; and asecondary fluid path that allows water to flow from the secondary tankto primary tank; and a pump to circulate water through the first fluidpath wherein the PLC stops the pump when the UV sterilizer is degraded.11. The water vending system of claim 10, further comprising an air flowconduit between the primary tank and the secondary tank.
 12. The watervending system of claim 10, wherein the PLC to cancel vending requestswhen the PLC receives signals indicating the UV sterilizer is degraded.13. The water vending system of claim 10, wherein the PLC stops waterproduction by the water vapor distillation apparatus when the PLCreceives signals indicating the UV sterilizer is degraded.
 14. The watervending system of claim 10, further comprising sensors to detectdegradation of the UV sterilizer including burnt out UV bulb or UVintensity below a predetermined value.
 15. The water vending system ofclaim 10, wherein the dispensing device comprises a nozzle, the nozzlereceives water from the secondary tank and the received water is gravityfed.
 16. The water vending system of claim 10, wherein the second tankis open to atmosphere via an air intake with an air filter.
 17. Thewater vending system of claim 16, wherein the air filter is a HEPAfilter.
 18. The water vending system of claim 15, wherein the nozzlecomprises a plurality of parallel passages that provide laminar flowexiting the nozzle.